Gino Kenny
Question:490. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his visit to Irish troops in UNIFIL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54795/22]
View answerTuesday, 8 November 2022
Questions (490)
Written answers
On 27 October, I travelled to Camp Shamrock (UNP 2-45) to meet with and preside at the medal parade for members of the 120th Infantry Battalion of the Defence Forces, who are currently deployed in UNIFIL alongside members of the Polish, Hungarian and Maltese Armed Forces, which make up the multinational IrishPolBatt contingent in UNIFIL.
I delivered an address to the troops in which I thanked them on behalf of the Government for the invaluable work that they are doing in south Lebanon. I also had the opportunity to spend time with and engage directly with members of IrishPolBatt.
As Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs, it is always a great honour and privilege to visit Irish Defence Forces' personnel serving overseas and have the opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable work they are doing in the pursuit of peace.
In addition to the visit to Camp Shamrock, my itinerary included a wreath-laying ceremony at Tibnin Bridge to mark the 40th anniversary of the deaths of Corporal Gregory Morrow, Private James Murphy and Private Peter Burke. This was a fitting and appropriate tribute to these three soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the cause of peace in Lebanon.
Because of his unavailability at short notice, a scheduled office call with the UNIFIL Force Commander, Major General Lázaro Sáenz did not take place.
I was accompanied on my visit by the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Jacqui McCrum, and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lt General Sean Clancy.
Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the Officer Commanding 120th Infantry Battalion and to all the Irish personnel in Lebanon for the extremely warm welcome afforded to me during the visit.