Phil Hogan
Ceist:124 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any he has to withdraw Irish troops from the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8786/00]
Vol. 516 No. 6
124 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any he has to withdraw Irish troops from the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8786/00]
Members of the Defence Forces have been deployed for service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, since 1978. Six hundred Defence Forces personnel approximately are currently serving with the Irish contingent UNIFIL.
The UNIFIL mandate is reviewed by the United Nations Security Council every six months following a report by the Secretary General of the United Nations. UN Security Council Resolution 1288 of 31 January 2000 has extended the mandate of UNIFIL for a further period of six months, i.e., until 31 July 2000.
On 12 October 1999 the Government approved the provision of a replacement contingent to UNIFIL comprising 620 personnel approximately, all ranks, for a six month period beginning 20 October 1999. The Government decision also allowed for preparations to be made for the selection, training and equipping of a further contingent of approximately 620 personnel, all ranks, to provide for the possibility of Ireland's continued participation in the UNIFIL peacekeeping force beyond January 2000 in the event of the further extension of the UNIFIL mandate. I will shortly seek the approval of Government in relation to the continuation of participation by the Irish Contingent in UNIFIL from April 2000 when the current contingent will be due to return home.