Minister for Defence Reviews 128th Infantry Battalion Ahead of UNIFIL Deployment

The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, conducted a Ministerial Review of the 128th Infantry Battalion at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, ahead of the Battalion’s deployment to Lebanon with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Addressing Defence Forces personnel, their families and senior military leadership, the Minister paid tribute to the professionalism, courage and commitment of the troops preparing to deploy at a critical moment for the mission and for regional stability.

Speaking at the review, Minister McEntee acknowledged the challenging security environment in Southern Lebanon and reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of Irish personnel serving overseas.

Minister McEntee said:

“The Defence Forces are deploying at a moment of profound significance for Lebanon, for UNIFIL and for Ireland’s proud peacekeeping tradition. This mission reflects the very highest standards of professionalism, discipline and service that define Óglaigh na hÉireann.

“I am fully conscious of the fragile and challenging security situation in southern Lebanon. I want to assure personnel and their families that safety and wellbeing remain paramount.”

The deployment of the 128th Infantry Battalion comes during the final phase of Ireland’s almost five‑decade contribution to UNIFIL, a mission that has become a defining chapter in Ireland’s peacekeeping legacy.

Minister McEntee continued:

“As this mission draws towards its conclusion, the importance of Ireland’s contribution has never been more pronounced. The 128th Infantry Battalion have been entrusted with helping bring a distinguished chapter of Irish peacekeeping in Lebanon to a close, while continuing to support peace and stability at a vital moment.”

The Minister also paid tribute to the families of personnel, recognising their vital support, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to providing ongoing welfare, communication, and support services throughout the deployment.

Minister McEntee wished the 128th Infantry Battalion every success on their mission and looked forward to welcoming personnel home safely following their service in Lebanon.

Commenting on the deployment, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, emphasised both the seriousness of the security situation and his pride in Irish personnel, saying:

“The situation in Southern Lebanon remains tense and highly volatile. Our personnel are deploying into a complex and challenging operational environment with the United Nation’s Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Despite these challenges, today is a day of immense pride for the members of the 128th Infantry Battalion and Óglaigh na hÉireann.

“I have every confidence in the training and professionalism of our personnel, they represent the very best of the Irish Defence Forces and are fully equipped to carry out their mission with distinction. I want to thank the families of our personnel for their continued support and I wish the 128th Infantry Battalion every success as they deploy on behalf of Ireland in support of international peace and security.”

ENDS