Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 January 2019
16. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the breakdown of Defence Forces personnel on deployment abroad or on secondment; the details of each mission in 2018; the projected mission of each for 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1809/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 10 January 2019, Ireland is contributing 678 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National representations.
The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest and most well known overseas deployment with 460 personnel. Until recently, Irish troops served as part of a joint Irish-Finnish Battalion in UNIFIL. The Finnish contingent also included an Estonian Platoon comprising some 36 personnel. Due to other National commitments both Finland and Estonia withdrew from the Irish-Finnish Battalion in UNIFIL in November 2018. As an interim measure, an additional contingent of approximately 106 Defence Forces Personnel have been deployed to the UNIFIL mission to cover the backfilling of the Finnish contingent for a 12 month period. Ireland assumed full duties and responsibilities of IRISHBATT up to November 2019 to allow time for an alternative partner to be sourced.
Efforts to source a partner country to replace the Finnish contingent are progressing well. Poland has expressed an interest in providing a contingent of troops, comprising both Polish and Hungarian personnel, to serve as part of the Irish Battalion in UNIFIL. Consultations will now take place on the specifics of this proposed new arrangement.
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria is the second largest mission with 138 personnel. Since 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.
In March 2018, the UNDOF Headquarters returned to Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation 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 in 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 Naval Service deployed 2 naval vessels to Operation Sophia, the EU Common Security and Defence Policy operation in the Mediterranean, during 2018. While there is currently no Irish ship deployed to the Operation, Defence Forces personnel continue to occupy three posts in the Operational Headquarters in Rome and two in the Force Headquarters at sea. Ireland's participation in Operation Sophia in 2019 is currently being considered and a decision will be taken on the matter following a full review of 2018 deployments.
Ireland has participated in the EU Training Mission in Mali since the mission was launched in 2013. Ireland contributed 20 Defence Forces personnel to this mission in 2018 and the intention is that our contribution will remain at this level in 2019. In addition, consideration is being given to the deployment of a small contingent of Army Ranger Wing personnel to the MINUSMA mission in Mali during 2019. These considerations are at a very early stage and will require further detailed analysis and planning in addition to Government approval, in advance of any proposed deployment.
Defence Forces personnel were also deployed during 2018 to the following missions:
UNTSO, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation mission in Israel and Syria - 12 personnel;
MINURSO, the United Nations Mission for the referendum in Western Sahara - 3 personnel;
MONUSCO, the United Nations Stabilisation mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - 4 personnel;
EUFOR, the EU led operation in Bosnia and Herzgovina - 5 personnel; and
KFOR, the International Security Presence in Kosovo - 12 personnel.
The Defence Forces will continue to participate in these missions in 2019.
One member of the Defence Forces is currently on secondment with the UN Office of Military Affairs in New York and, as part of Ireland's participation in Partnership for Peace, a member of the Defence Forces is serving in the role of Gender Adviser to the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative on Women, Peace and Security. Defence Forces Personnel also serve as military advisors, representatives and staff officers with the OSCE, the EU, UN and NATO/Partnership for Peace.
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.
