Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
57. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures that are being taken to ensure the safety our Defence Forces deployed in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50881/23]
View answerAs of 01 November, the Defence Forces have 468 personnel serving between the three UN missions in the Middle East region – UNIFIL (319), UNDOF (136) and UNTSO (13).
All Defence Forces’ personnel, including personnel serving in Lebanon (with UNTSO and UNIFIL), are maintaining a high level of vigilance and continue to monitor the developing situation in their respective mission areas.
Defence Forces’ peacekeepers are well trained prior to deployment and prepared to anticipate events such as occasions of sporadic fire in their Area of Operations. This includes taking shelter in protected positions, as they have had to do on several occasions since the outbreak of hostilities.
In all of their missions , Defence Forces’ personnel comply fully with all UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as appropriate.
The safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces’ personnel is of paramount concern to the Government. I am in ongoing contact with the Chief of Staff and the Department of Defence and being kept apprised of all developments in those areas in which Defence Forces’ personnel are deployed.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely along with our partners in the UN and the wider international community.
