Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The main overseas mission in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL. The second rotation of Irish personnel serving with the mission since Irish troops returned to Lebanon in May 2011 was completed this week with the deployment of personnel of the 106th Irish Infantry Battalion to UNIFIL. The 106th Infantry Battalion, comprising some 332 personnel, will form part of a joint Irish-Finnish battalion in UNIFIL with effect from June 2012, when a contingent of 170 personnel of the Finnish defence forces will integrate with the Irish battalion. The joint Irish-Finnish battalion will be based in sector west of UNIFIL's area of operations, currently centred on the major towns of Tibnin and Bint Jubayl, with two posts on the Blue Line which separates Lebanon and Israel. The battalion is tasked primarily with patrolling, reconnaissance and occupying static posts while operating in close co-ordination and co-operation with the Lebanese armed forces in sector west.

Early last month, Brigadier General Patrick Phelan was selected by the United Nations as Deputy Force Commander of UNIFIL from April 2012. He assumed his appointment on 28 April 2012. I know the House will join me in congratulating Brigadier General Phelan and wishing him and the personnel of the 106th Infantry Battalion safe and successful tours of duty in an area that, at the moment, is reasonably quiet.

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