Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
114. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has plans to review the decision to withdraw Irish troops from the UNDOF Mission to the Golan Heights in Syria to allow participation in an EU Battlegroup, as this undermines our neutrality and our sterling role and record as a peacekeeping force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29574/23]
View answerThere are no plans to review the decision to withdraw the Defence Forces' Infantry Company from UNDOF next year and planning for their withdrawal is progressing. Neither the decision to withdraw from this mission nor the decision to participate in the EU Battlegroup have any implications for Ireland's policy of military neutrality.
At the time of the recent Government Decision that the Defence Forces should join the EU Battlegroup 2024/2025, the Government was advised that a further assessment would be undertaken of the sustainability of the Defence Forces' overseas commitments.
Following the conclusion of this assessment and on the basis of the military advice available to me as well as formal engagement with the United Nations, I decided to withdraw the Infantry Group personnel from UNDOF with effect from April 2024. At this stage, it is likely that the Defence Forces will continue to occupy a small number of staff officer posts.
Notwithstanding the decision to withdraw the Infantry Group from UNDOF, the Defence Forces will continue to have a significant presence serving overseas in the pursuit of peace, notably with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, where over 320 Defence Forces personnel will continue to serve.
The decision to withdraw personnel from the UNDOF mission has been taken to allow the Defence Forces to undertake a process of consolidation with regard to their overseas commitments and to prepare for future peace-keeping missions as well as to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capacity available to fulfil their commitment to the EU Battlegroup 2024/2025.
Participation in a Battlegroup has no effect on our traditional policy of military neutrality, which is characterised by non-participation in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements.
The decision to participate in an EU Battlegroup does not presume any further decision in relation to participation in an actual Battlegroup operation. Any such decision is subject to national decision-making procedures.
Battlegroups are a key component of the capabilities that the EU can make available in support of UN-authorised crisis management operations. Within the EU Battlegroup concept, the purpose of the Battlegroup, as a rapid response capability, includes the role of acting as an initial entry force to stabilise a situation pending the deployment of a follow-on force, to support an established peace support operation which is running into difficulties, and to respond to humanitarian crises.
