Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I am satisfied that we have the required equipment. While I said to the Deputy that the area is generally calm, circumstances continue to be unpredictable in the context of the security situation in the UNIFIL area of operations in southern Lebanon, including the area in which the Irish-Finnish battalion operates. The threat level to Defence Forces personnel serving in the Irish battalion area of responsibility is currently assessed by the Defence Forces as substantial. While there is calm, the assessment is based on occurrences across the border and some of the general difficulties that have arisen in Syria. Improvised explosive device attacks from militant extremists remain the most significant threat to security in the Irish area of operations and along the blue line separating Lebanon and Israel and its vicinity. Irish personnel have adjusted their force protection measures accordingly. In other words, extra care is being taken, to move away from the technical jargon, by comparison with the position 13 or 14 months ago. The conflict in Syria was starting at that stage but had not escalated to its current level. There had not been any outbreaks of any description in Lebanon at that time reflecting some of the differences in Syria. By increasing the threat level, one ensures that all necessary precautionary steps are taken in the interest of the safety of members of the Defence Forces. Having said that, I do not want to cause undue alarm. I repeat that, as matters currently stand in the area of operations, there is relative calm.

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