Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024
40. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report in relation to the current situation in South Lebanon and the Golan Heights; the activities of Irish Defence Forces personnel deployed on missions with UNDOF and UNIFIL in light of escalating kinetic activity in those regions; the measures taken to best ensure the safety and readiness of personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10940/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 09 February 2024, the most recent figures available, Ireland is contributing 530 Defence Forces personnel to overseas missions and locations. The two main missions in which personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 332 personnel, and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 132 personnel.
I am advised that the situation in Southern Lebanon is dynamic and unpredictable with kinetic activity continuing to emanate from both North and South of the Blue Line. The situation in the UNIFIL area of operations is tense and remains unpredictable. In the UNDOF Area of responsibility (AOR), on the Golan Heights the situation also remains volatile and unpredictable.
I wish to reassure the Deputy however that the safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces’ personnel is of paramount concern to the Government, and I remain in ongoing contact with the Chief of Staff on this matter. My Department is also kept apprised of all developments in those areas in which Defence Forces’ personnel are deployed. Government will also continue to monitor the situation closely along with our partners in the UN and in the wider international community.
Military Management has stated that all Defence Forces’ personnel are maintaining a high level of vigilance and continue to monitor the developing situation in their respective mission areas. Defence Forces personnel are well trained prior to deployment to mitigate against risks and scenarios that may arise in deployments overseas, including the circumstances in which they find themselves currently. In both the UNIFIL and UNDOF missions referred to, personnel are complying with UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions (GROUNDHOG), as appropriate.
With regard to UNIFIL particularly, contingency planning is part and parcel of the planning in operational deployments. Given the ongoing security issues in the region, contingency planning is ongoing should the need for evacuation arise. It should be underlined however that the Government remains committed to UNIFIL and has no plans to evacuate our personnel.
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland's commitment to UNDOF is currently nearing is completion, with troops due to return home in the next six weeks. In the interim period however, Defence Forces personnel in UNDOF also continue to maintain a high level of vigilance, including taking shelter in protected positions as and when appropriate.
