Press release
Tánaiste reviews Irish troops heading for service with UNIFIL
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Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, today (31 October) reviewed the members of the 123rd Infantry Battalion who will shortly deploy to Lebanon as part of the United Nations’ Interim Force (UNIFIL).
The Tánaiste was accompanied by the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Jacqui McCrum and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy.
The Tánaiste had special words for the families of the members of the 123rd Infantry Battalion, saying: >“On occasions such as this, I always make the point of acknowledging the role of your families, but today I want especially to address myself to them. I know that the current situation in the Middle East, including in the area of South Lebanon and Northern Israel is a matter of grave concern to you and I understand that this is a worrying time for you. I want to reassure you that the troops standing before us today – your sons, daughters, partners, dads and mums – are well trained, well prepared and well equipped for this deployment.”
Soldiers from 25 counties around Ireland are represented among the 342 strong contingent deploying to UNIFIL. More than a quarter of the group are about to deploy on their first tour of duty overseas.
Addressing the 123rd Infantry Battalion, the Tánaiste reflected on the value of Peacekeeping against the backdrop of escalating activity in South Lebanon:
"Peacekeeping is the most important international action for good that any nation can participate in. Your role, as part of UNIFIL, is to provide a safe and secure environment and to support local communities where they are deployed. This commitment to those communities and to vulnerable citizens lies at the heart of Ireland’s engagement in UN-Mandated crisis management operations and it has never been more relevant in light of the ongoing situation in the Middle East.”
The Tánaiste went on to say:
"In my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I am particularly conscious of the importance of this tradition as an essential component of Ireland’s foreign policy and your participation in UNIFIL illustrates the very positive and practical difference that small countries like Ireland can make in the world’s trouble spots. Supporting the cause of protecting human rights and promoting peace became the core mission of our Defence Forces and they have, in turn, brought great honour to our country throughout the world.”
In his concluding remarks the Tánaiste congratulated the members of the 123rd Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Mac Eoin on their achievements to date and wished them a safe and successful mission.
Ireland has a long and well-regarded history of participation in overseas missions mandated by the United Nations since 1958. In that period, Defence Forces personnel have completed over 71,000 individual tours of duty in overseas missions.
The 123rd Infantry Battalion will deploy to UNIFIL with 342 personnel, 9 Maltese and 333 Irish personnel. The Irish personnel are drawn from 25 counties across Ireland. Lt Col Stephen Mac Eoin is the Office Commanding the 123rd Inf Bn.
The Defence Forces have almost 500 personnel serving between the three UN missions in the Middle East region. All Defence Forces’ personnel are maintaining a high level of vigilance and continue to monitor the developing situation in their respective mission areas. In addition, all personnel comply with UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions (GROUNDHOG) as appropriate.