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Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021

Tuesday, 16 November 2021

Questions (333)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

333. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence the number of overseas missions in which the Defence Forces are currently involved; the number of personnel involved in each mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56135/21]

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Written answers

As of 1 November 2021, Ireland is contributing 566 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 335 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 136 personnel. Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.

Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

Full details of all personnel currently serving in missions overseas are listed in the tabular statement below.

MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS As of 1 November 2021

UN MISSIONS

UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQUNIFIL 118th Infantry BattalionUNIFIL Sector West HQ

113204

UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria

12

MINUSMA (United Nations mission in MALI)

14

MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic of the Congo)

3

UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side)UNDOF 64th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side)

8128

TOTAL

500

UN MANDATED MISSIONS

EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

5

EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission)

20

KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ

16

Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ)

3

TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS

544

ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)

Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna

1

EU MILITARY STAFF

Brussels

4

MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF

Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York

3*

Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna

1

Military Representative in PSC Delegation (Brussels)

8

Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels)

3

EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium

1

Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium

1

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS

566

* Includes Major General Maureen O'Brien serving on secondment to the United Nations following her appointment by the UN as Deputy Military Advisor in the Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations

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