Press release
Ministerial Review of the 122nd Infantry Battalion - Sarsfield Barracks Limerick
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Published on
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The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, today (4 May) reviewed the 122nd Infantry Battalion, who will shortly deploy to Lebanon as part of the United Nations’ Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The Tánaiste was accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy, and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Jacqui McCrum.
Addressing the 347-strong contingent in Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, the Tánaiste said:
"Peacekeeping is the most important international action for good that any nation can participate in and you personify our nation’s commitment to that noble cause. You, the men and women of the 122nd Infantry Battalion, are leaving to write a new chapter in the history of the Defence Forces participation in Lebanon.”
Recalling that their deployment coincides with the return of the 121st Battalion, of which the late Private Seán Rooney was such a valuable member, the Tánaiste said:
"As well as being a very honourable task, peacekeeping is, unfortunately, also a dangerous one. This fact became a tragic reality last December when eight personnel from the 121st Battalion were involved in an incident resulting in the death of Private Seán Rooney and injuries being sustained by three other members of the Defence Forces.”
The Tánaiste warmly welcomed the families of the members of the 122nd Infantry Battalion, acknowledging that:
"I welcome all of the families here today. You fulfil a vital but unsung role in Ireland's contribution to peacekeeping missions around the world. Participation in peace support missions comes at a personal cost for individuals who must be away from families and friends for extended periods of time in unfamiliar and difficult environments.”
Speaking of the recent report of the Independent Review Group, the Tánaiste said:
"I am currently progressing a comprehensive programme of actions to address those shortcomings extremely identified in the Report in an effort to honour the contribution of serving and retired personnel and rebuild trust, including the establishment of an External Oversight Body and a Statutory Inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces on interpersonal issues, including sexual misconduct.”