Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The Government continues to attach the highest priority to the safety and security of the members of the Defences Forces participating in the mission and that of all those participating in the mission. Close contact is being maintained between my Department, the Department of Defence and the UN, through our mission in New York.

General Mood fully briefed troop contributor countries and the UN Security Council during his recent visit to New York. We have received assurances from the United Nations that ensuring the safety of personnel and the safe conduct of patrols will continue to have the highest priority as UNSMIS resumes monitoring. I hope UNSMIS can continue in some form after its current mandate expires because its presence is of great importance and reassurance to the Syrian people. I take on board Deputy O'Mahony's comments on the concerns of family members of those serving on this difficult mission and I would be happy to brief him or to have my Department brief him on the steps being taken with regard to ensuring the safety of the personnel involved.

The events in Syria represent one of the greatest challenges to international peace and stability. There is daily escalation of violence and casualties, which are horrendous. Since the conflict erupted Ireland and our EU partners have been at the forefront of international efforts to steer the Syrian authorities away from violence and repression and to persuade all parties to engage in a peaceful process of transition. The conflict in Syria is bloody and horrific and I assure the House that we are determined to contribute to its resolution. We have contributed personnel to UNSMIS which is working in difficult circumstances. We are giving the highest priority to the safety and security of the members of the Defence Forces involved in the mission.

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