Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
139. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the process that would be involved should Ireland decide to re-establish a Defence Forces infantry group to the UNDOF UN Peace Keeping mission in the Golan Heights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2212/24]
View answerThere is no plan to review the decision to withdraw the Defence Forces' Infantry Group from the UNDOF mission this year. The replacement Troop Contributing Country (TCC) has been selected to take over the role of the Force Reserve Company, following the scheduled Irish departure in April 2024. Planning for the withdrawal of the Defence Forces' contingent and their replacement is well advanced, involving the United Nations, the Force Headquarters, the current Irish contingent and the replacement TCC to ensure a smooth handover that in no way compromises the mission.
Notwithstanding the withdrawal of the Infantry Group, the Defence Forces intend to continue to occupy a small number of staff officer posts at the UNDOF mission HQ.
Participation in future peacekeeping and crisis response missions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and when considering any particular request, the following factors are taken into account:
• An assessment of whether a peacekeeping operation is the most appropriate response.
• Consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy.
• The degree of risk involved.
• The extent to which the required skills or characteristics relate to Irish capabilities.
• The existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a political solution.
• Whether the operation is adequately resourced.
• The level of existing commitments to peacekeeping operations and security requirements at home.
