Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
129. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware of media reports in relation to civilians in Beirut detaining a UNIFIL vehicle which while conducting routine logistical movements transited on an unplanned route resulting in the confiscation of equipment and peacekeepers being detained and transferred to Hezbollah; if he will report on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11969/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Defence Forces that the incident to which I believe the Deputy is referring involved members of the Malaysian Battalion with UNIFIL. I can confirm that no members of the Irish Defence Forces were involved in the incident. For Defence Forces' operational reasons, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment regarding the incident.
I would like to take the opportunity however to assure the Deputy that the safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces’ personnel is of paramount concern to both myself and the Government. I am in ongoing contact with the Chief of Staff in this regard, and and the Department of Defence and I are kept apprised of all developments in those areas in which Defence Forces’ personnel are deployed. Defence Forces’ personnel in each of the UN missions located in the Middle East (UNIFIL, UNTSO and UNDOF), comply fully with all UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as appropriate.
Furthermore, Defence Forces personnel are well trained prior to deployment, to mitigate against risks and scenarios that may arise in their overseas deployments.
