Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
246. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the United Nations missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently serving overseas; the number of personnel deployed in each case, by mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28485/23]
View answer247. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number Defence Forces personnel currently deployed overseas in total, per mission or operation, and the purpose of each deployment, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28486/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.
As of 1 June 2023, Ireland is contributing 522 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 319 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 135 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, and the purpose of these missions are listed in the tabular statement below.
|
UN MISSIONS |
Purpose of Deployment |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQUNIFIL 122nd Infantry BattalionUNIFIL Sector West HQ |
83074 |
UNIFIL is a UN Chapter VI Peacekeeping Mission |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
12 |
To monitor ceasefires, supervising armistice agreements and assisting the UN peacekeeping operations in the area |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side)UNDOF 67th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar -Bravo side) |
6129 |
UNDOF supervises the implementation of the disengagement agreement between Israel and Syrian forces on the Golan Heights |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
||
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
The primary focus of EUFOR is on the maintenance and stability of a safe and secure environment, especially supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities |
|
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission) |
8 |
To train and mentor the Malian Armed Forces, so as to improve their military capacity and their effectiveness in securing the country’s territorial integrity |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
13 |
To support the maintenance of civil law and order within Kosovo so as to develop a climate of safety and security |
|
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ) |
3 |
To contribute to preventing arms trafficking within mission agreed areas of operation in accordance with UNSC resolutions |
|
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
||
|
High Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
STAFF OFFICER |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF |
||
|
Brussels |
8 |
Military staff appointments |
|
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
||
|
Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
3* |
Military Adviser |
|
Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
Military Adviser |
|
Military Representative to EU (Brussels) |
4 |
Military Representative |
|
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
3 |
Liaison Officer |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
Representative/Adviser |
|
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
Liaison Officer |
|
Military C-IED expert, UN Training Entebbe |
1 |
C-IED training |
|
EUMAM |
4 |
Provision of training to members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in response to their identified needs. Defence Forces training teams are deployed for short periods to deliver specific training modules in conjunction with EU and international partners. All training is taking place on the territory of EU. |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS* 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. |
522 |
