Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2019
21. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has had consultation with a person (details supplied) following recognition by the President of the United States of America of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights; if so, the details of the interactions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16896/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issues arising from the recognition by the President of the United States of America of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade made clear in a statement of 25th March, 2019, that Ireland, along with the rest of the international community, continues to regard the Golan Heights as Syrian territory occupied by Israel. There is no reason to expect that this decision by the United States should affect the position of Irish troops in the UNDOF mission on the Golan Heights.
The General Staff of the Defence Forces, including the Chief of Staff, provide regular assessments and advice to me and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence on a range of ongoing strategic and operational issues as they pertain to the Defence Forces, not least in relation to our overseas deployments. For security and operational reasons, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in relation to the nature of such discussions, advice or assessments.
