Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 October 2018
54. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the activities of the Defence Forces in the Golan Heights UNDOF mission, in particular their transition back to the Syrian side of the area relevant to the mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39998/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince its establishment in 1974, UNDOF has been a successful mission in supporting the efforts of the international community both in the Golan Heights and in the Middle East region. A contingent of the Permanent Defence Force has been deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) since 2013.
Following significant events in August 2014 in the area of separation, the UNDOF mission relocated temporarily from Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation to Camp Ziouani on the Israeli side of the area of separation.
The process to return to the Syrian side of the area of separation was commenced in 2016 with the enhancement of force protection measures at Camp Faouar.
In March 2018, the UNDOF Headquarters returned to Camp Faouar and the Chief of Staff UNDOF, Colonel Michael Dawson, together with seven other members of the Defence Forces moved with the headquarters. The main Irish contingent, comprising a Force Reserve Company of some 130 personnel, completed their relocation to Camp Faouar on 3 September 2018. Their role includes the provision of a Quick Reaction Force which is on standby to assist with the on-going operations within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility. The Irish Infantry Group is also tasked with carrying out patrols and convey escorts as necessary.
The relocation of Irish personnel follows on-going assessment of the security situation in the region and the continued enhancement of the force protection measures and living standards within Camp Faouar.
The UNDOF mission maintains regular contact with the Israeli Defence Forces and Syrian Arab Armed Forces in the context of its role in the area of separation, ensuring the security and safety of its personnel and a common understanding of its role between the parties.
The continued presence of the UNDOF mission remains an important element in ensuring stability on the Golan Heights and the Middle East region.
As the Deputy will be aware, there has, unfortunately, been a delay this week in the return home of personnel from the 57th Infantry Group and the deployment of the 58th Infantry Group. This was due to circumstances beyond our control. The Department of Defence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Ireland’s embassy in Cairo are actively engaging with authorities in Lebanon and Syria and with the UN and the UNDOF mission to secure the relevant clearances in order to ensure the rotation of the contingent and the return home of those personnel completing service with UNDOF at the earliest opportunity.
