John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting the topic of the ongoing crisis in Syria, which seems to be escalating out of control as each day passes. I wish to state my total support for Ireland's commitment and support for the cause of international peace. Our Defence Forces have played a key role down the years in many areas throughout the world and I hope they continue to do so.

My main reason for tabling this issue today is to establish the position of six members of the Irish Defence Forces who are part of the United Nations supervision mission in Syria. That mission was to supervise a ceasefire as part of a six-point plan devised by Kofi Annan. The ceasefire has not happened and over a week ago the United Nations announced it was pulling back from its monitoring operations. However, the mission remains in Syria. There is great concern among the family members of the Defence Force members in Syria. They are concerned about their security and safety, particularly as the mission is unarmed and is to remain in the country. According to news and other reports, UN vehicles have been shot at and hit on numerous occasions. They suffered both direct and indirect attack before they halted their monitoring patrols. Explosions have also occurred close to the UN patrols.

I understand the members of the Irish Defence Forces are in communication with their families, as are the Defence Forces here. Is there a plan in place to deal with the situation if communication with Syria or with the area in which the mission is breaks down? Is there a plan for an emergency evacuation in the event of the situation escalating further? I understand the monitoring mission has been stepped down but that it will remain in Syria until 21 July. What are the plans after the mission is complete post 21 July? I understand that initially the aim was for the mission to continue for a longer period, perhaps for years, but this appears to be under question now. I thank the Tánaiste for taking the issue and I call on him to answer the queries raised.

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