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Overseas Missions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Questions (2)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if future overseas missions for members of the Defence Forces delayed due to the UN suspension will serve their full period of duties once missions can be rotated; if they will receive their expected allowance payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8298/20]

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Written answers

As part of its response to the global Covid pandemic, on 5 April, 2020 the United Nations Secretary General directed the suspension of all rotations and leave for military personnel serving in UN missions until 30 June.  The suspension was based on the protection of local communities as well as that of the peacekeepers during the Covid pandemic.

On foot of the subsequent efforts of the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department Foreign Affairs and Trade, a number of rotations of Irish Defence Forces personnel have been successfully concluded.  While the rotation of troops to and from UNIFIL, which was to take place mid-May,  has been delayed as a result of the UN suspension,  Ireland has secured an exemption and approval for a rotation of the  full contingent in June, during the UN moratorium.   

The UN has recently advised that transitional measures will apply in the following six month period, July to December 2020, which will include a partial resumption of rotations with rigorous quarantine requirements and periodic reviews built into the process.

The full impact of Covid 19 on future rotations is currently being examined by my Department with the Defence Forces.  As you will appreciate, the health and welfare of Defence Forces personnel serving overseas remains our primary concern at this time.

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