Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 March 2023
47. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the discussions with the Defence Forces and with the United Nations regarding the possibility of providing an increase in troop contribution to the UNIFIL mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13879/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing an assessment of overseas commitments and on military advice, I have taken the decision to withdraw an Infantry Group, comprising some 130 personnel, from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) with effect from April 2024.
The decision to withdraw the Infantry Group personnel was taken in order for the Defence Forces to undertake a process of consolidation with regard to their overseas commitments and to prepare for future peace-keeping missions.
Following the withdrawal in April 2024 the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will continue to be the primary focus of Army resources and operations overseas, with over 340 personnel deployed to that mission.
The number of posts that Ireland can fill in UNIFIL is a matter for the United Nations, in consultation with other troop contributing countries. In view of the decision to withdraw the Infantry Group from UNDOF, I have asked my Department to explore with the United Nations the possibility of providing a modest increase in our troop contribution to UNIFIL. I expect that discussions in this regard will commence shortly.
