Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
119. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish peacekeepers currently serving overseas; the number posted to the various countries concerned; the details of the typical duration of postings for individual soldiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34190/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 1 June 2022, Ireland is contributing 546 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 323 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 130 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.
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).
Duration of postings are typically between 6 and 12 months, depending on where members of the Defence Forces are assigned. Certain HQ and staff appointments can be for longer periods. Additionally, a number of family friendly overseas appointments for commissioned and enlisted personnel have been introduced, whereby the normal 6-month tour of duty can be ‘shared’ with another member of the Defence Forces, resulting in shorter 3-month deployments.
Full details of all personnel currently serving in missions overseas are listed in the tabular statement below.
MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS As of 1 June 2022
|
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ UNIFIL 120th Infantry Battalion UNIFIL Sector West HQ |
9 310 4 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
12 |
|
MINUSMA (United Nations mission in MALI) |
14 |
|
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side) UNDOF 65th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
6 124 |
|
TOTAL |
482 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
|
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission) |
20 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
13 |
|
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ) |
3 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
523 |
|
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF |
|
|
Brussels |
8 |
|
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
|
|
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
3* |
|
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
Military Representative in PSC Delegation (Brussels) |
4 |
|
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
3 |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Military C-IED expert, UN Training Entebbe |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
546 |
* Includes Major General Maureen O'Brien serving on secondment to the United Nations following her appointment by the UN as Deputy Military Advisor in the Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations
