Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 October 2018
56. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to increase the number of Defence Forces personnel deployed overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39923/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 01 October 2018, Ireland is contributing 616 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 353 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 128 personnel and the Naval Service EU Naval Mission (Operation Sophia) with 61 personnel.
The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest overseas deployment and on 22 May 2018 the Government approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in UNIFIL for a further 12 month period. Irish troops are currently serving as part of a joint Irish-Finnish Battalion in UNIFIL. Since May 2015 the Finnish contingent has included an Estonian Platoon comprising some 36 personnel.
When I sought Government approval, I advised that both Finland and Estonia will withdraw from the Irish-Finnish Battalion in UNIFIL on 31 December 2018. I also informed Government that options were being examined for replacing the Finnish contingent, including the option for the temporary increase of the Irish Defence Force contingent.
In August 2018, I advised the Government that I have approved the additional deployment of approximately 106 Defence Forces Personnel to the UNIFIL mission to cover the backfilling of the absent Finnish contingent for the 12 period from November 2018 to November 2019. Discussions are on-going with potential partner countries who may be in a position to provide a permanent replacement for the Finnish contingent after November 2019.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
