Govt approves the Defence Forces’ continued participation in UNIFIL, with an additional platoon of 33 personnel

The government today (April 16) approved the Defence Forces’ continued participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for a further 12 months.

This includes a provision to deploy an additional platoon of 33 personnel, which will enhance the force protection of the Irish battalion serving in UNIFIL.

The additional platoon will bring Ireland’s contribution to the UNIFIL mission in Southern Lebanon up to 375 personnel comprising an Infantry Battalion and personnel serving at UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura and at UNIFIL Sector West Headquarters in Shama.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD welcomed the decision to deploy the additional personnel.

The Tánaiste said: “The safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces’ personnel is of paramount concern to the Government particularly at this time. The deployment of an extra platoon of 33 Irish troops to serve as an additional protection element with the Irish Battalion in UNIFIL will enhance the overall security of the Irish battalion. It will furthermore ensure that newly recruited personnel continue to have an opportunity to take up an overseas deployment at an early stage in their careers.”

The current contingent is part of a joint Irish/Polish Battalion, which also includes personnel from Hungary and Malta.

Ireland acts as lead Nation providing the commanding officer and the larger troop and logistics contribution to the joint Battalion.

The current 123rd Infantry Battalion will conclude their 6-month deployment when they will be replaced by the 124th Infantry Battalion. Thereafter and in line with arrangements agreed by the UN, the additional platoon of 33 troops will join their colleagues in the 124th Infantry Battalion in the coming months.

ENDS

Note to Editor

Ireland has participated in UNIFIL since the mission was established in 1978. Ireland’s current participation was approved by Government then by Dáil Éireann on 21 April, 2011. The mission operates under a mandate from the United Nations Security Council.

The Irish Battalion is based in Sector West of UNIFIL’s area of operations, with its primary base at Bint Jbeil in the vicinity of At Tiri. Two forward observation posts manned by the contingent are located on the ‘Blue Line’, which separates Lebanon and Israel.

The Battalion conducts operational tasks on a daily basis, which include the provision of security, vehicle and foot patrols, checkpoints, establishing and occupying temporary observation posts and liaison/engagement with local leaders. In addition, joint operations are conducted with units of the Lebanese Armed Forces deployed in the UNIFIL area of operations.

UNIFIL is just one of three UN missions in the Middle East where Defence Force members are currently deployed. In all over 360 Irish personnel are serving on peacekeeping missions in the Middle East (NIFIL - 345; UNDOF HQ – 5; UNTSO – 11).

All Defence Forces personnel are reported as safe. Operations and peacekeeping duties continue within the parameters of the operational environment.

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.

All Defence Forces’ personnel are maintaining a high level of vigilance and continue to monitor the developing situation in their respective mission areas. They are complying with UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions (GROUNDHOG), as appropriate.

Finally, it is important to note that contingency planning is part and parcel of the planning in operational deployments should the need for evacuation ever arise. It should be underlined however that the Government remains committed to UNIFIL and has no plans to evacuate our personnel currently.