Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that the continued presence of UNDOF in the area remains essential. The UN Secretary General has reported to the Security Council that both Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic have stated their continued commitment to the disengagement of forces agreement and to support the presence of UNDOF in calling for a return to vacated positions in the area of separation. The UN Security Council has generally agreed that UNDOF contributes to stability in the region in the absence of a peace agreement between Israel and Syria.

In June 2016, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of UNDOF for a further six months, until 31 December 2016, since its temporary relocation in September 2014 from a number of positions in the area of separation. UNDOF has continued to use its best efforts to implement its mandate. The mission continues to be supported by the United Nations through a military supervision organisation, Observer Group Golan, in which five Irish officers are serving.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Major Kieran Brennan, was in the Golan Heights last week. I will receive a full brief from him later this week on his visit. I am happy with and have witnessed the work of the Irish Defence Forces in the Golan Heights. We should all be very proud of the Defence Forces in this regard.

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