Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The diplomatic networks are being worked to the full to try to avoid reasonable escalation, including Lebanon. I have spoken to the Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, to the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Al Thani, the Egyptian foreign minister, the United Arab Emirates' foreign minister, the Saudi Arabian foreign minister and so on with a view to ensuring all focus is on preventing escalation.

I am aware of and have noted the statement made by UNIFIL head of mission and force commander, Major General Aroldo Lázaro, during his United Nations Day speech on October 24. Major General Lázaro confirmed that since the situation in the Middle East began to escalate, UNIFIL peacekeepers have remained in their positions and performing assigned tasks under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. Peacekeepers also continue to carry out patrols and other activities, including with local communities, co-ordinating this work with the Lebanese Armed Forces. While confirming that the UNIFIL mission was actively engaged with authorities on both sides of the Blue Line to de-escalate tensions and avoid misunderstandings, he expressed his real concern the conflict has intensified. I share his concerns. The situation in southern Lebanon is dynamic, with increased activity along the Blue Line. The situation in the UNIFIL area of operations is tense and remains unpredictable.

I assure the Deputy that Irish Defence Forces peacekeepers are well trained prior to deployment and prepared to anticipate events such as occasions of sporadic fire in their area of operations, which may require taking shelter in protected positions, as they have done on several occasions since the outbreak of hostilities. All Defence Forces personnel are maintaining a high level of vigilance and continue to monitor the developing situation in their respective mission areas. The safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces personnel is of paramount concern to the Government. I am in ongoing contact with the Chief of Staff and the Department of Defence and being kept apprised of all developments in those areas in which Defence Forces personnel are deployed. We will continue to monitor the situation closely along with our partners in the UN and the wider international community.

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