Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
334. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who are currently deployed in Syria as part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10832/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra335. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide details on any analysis, review, or evaluation of Ireland's participation in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10833/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra336. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there are any plans to withdraw members of the Defence Forces from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10834/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra337. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if any other analysis, review, or evaluation has taken place in respect of Ireland's participation in any other United Nations overseas missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10835/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 334 to 337, inclusive, together.
As of 1 March 2023, Ireland is contributing 546 personnel to 7 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 344 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 133 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.
Of the 133 personnel currently deployed to UNDOF, Defence Force personnel currently comprise of an Infantry Group of approximately 127 personnel as well as 6 staff officers in UNDOF Headquarters. Personnel are based in Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation. The role of the Irish Infantry Group 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 Department of Defence and the Defence Forces jointly review the overseas deployment of Defence Forces personnel on an ongoing basis. At the time of the recent Government Decision that the Defence Forces should join the EU Battlegroup 2024/2025, the Government was advised that a further assessment would be undertaken of the sustainability of overseas commitments.
Following the conclusion of this assessment and on the basis of the military advice available to me, I have decided to withdraw the Infantry Group personnel from UNDOF. The Government and the United Nations are being advised of this decision and the precise date of their withdrawal will be discussed with the United Nations.
Subject to the UN's agreement, I hope that Ireland can continue to occupy a number of staff officer positions in UNDOF headquarters.
The decision to withdraw personnel from the UNDOF mission has been taken in order to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capacity to fulfil their commitment to the EU Battlegroup 2024/2025 as well as allowing the Defence Forces to undertake a process of consolidation with regard to their overseas commitments and to prepare for future peace-keeping missions. Participation in overseas operations remains a priority for the Defence Forces in line with Government policy.
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. The changing nature of demands and potential future mission profiles need to be considered in the context of assets and capabilities which can be made available by the Defence Forces for overseas deployment, given existing operational demands at home and overseas.
