Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
169. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if a risk assessment has been carried out on the impact to Irish peacekeeping troops serving in Lebanon on their monitoring of the blue line between Lebanon and Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11109/24]
View answerAt the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that the safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces’ personnel is of paramount concern to Government, that I, as Tánaiste and Minister of Defence, remain in ongoing contact with the Chief of Staff, and that the Department of Defence is kept apprised of all developments in those areas in which Defence Forces’ personnel are deployed. Furthermore, all reasonable measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of all Defence Forces' personnel. 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, which remains dynamic and unpredictable.
I wish to also assure the Deputy that 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 complying fully with all UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as appropriate, as they have had to do on several occasions since the outbreak of hostilities. Contingency planning and risk assessments are part and parcel of the planning in operational deployments and are carried out on a continual basis.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely along with our partners in the UN and the wider international community.
