Bernard Durkan
Ceist:22. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent of current and or proposed overseas troop deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34603/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 June 2021
Ceisteanna (22, 28, 52)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:28. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces in the Lebanon currently; and the number considered a full and complete cohort. [34612/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
James Lawless
Ceist:52. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel currently on overseas service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34676/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 28 and 52 together.
As of 8 June 2021, Ireland is contributing 564 personnel to 10 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 337 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 136 personnel.
The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest overseas deployment and on 4 May 2021 the Government approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in UNIFIL for a further 12 month period. The Irish contingent serves as part of a joint Ireland/Poland Battalion, with additional officers from both Hungary and Malta. The 118th Infantry Battalion deployed to UNIFIL during May on a six-month tour of duty. The full cohort of personnel provided for as part Ireland's commitment to the joint Ireland/Poland Battalion, comprises three hundred and forty one Irish personnel and eleven personnel from Malta.
In relation to UNDOF, Defence Forces personnel are currently based in Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation. On 9 June 2021, the Government approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in UNDOF for a 12 month period up to June 2022.
Other missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) with 20 personnel; MINUSMA, the UN authorised operation in Mali with 14 personnel, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) in Israel and Syria with 12 personnel, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) with 2 personnel, the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) with 3 personnel; the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina with 5 personnel, the NATO-led international security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 13 personnel and the EU Naval mission (Operation Irini) with 3 personnel. Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.
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.
Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).