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

I spent two to two and half hours on Sunday morning listening to numerous presentations from our military leaders, the Chief of Staff, the deputy chief of staff and the director of operations, and the Defence Forces have advised that, despite recent media reports, there is both fresh food and contingency food packs available, certainly at UN position 2-45. The outpost has about 20 days' worth of food and water supplies because our Defence Forces leadership sensibly sent out forward supplies in August in anticipation of challenges ahead and altogether independent of the UN. We have provided those supplies, which have given us a buffer.

On the rotation, as the Deputy will know, the handover from the 124th UNIFIL battalion to the 125th battalion was to occur in two chalks on 13-14 November and 24-25 November. However, in light of the recent changes to the security environment, the UNIFIL force commander has decided to suspend rotations for October for safety reasons. He will review the situation at the end of the month. Planning continues for the November rotation. It is under active review, pending any UN direction in this regard. Engagement continues with all key stakeholders, including with the IDF, as regards the protection of Irish troops. As the Deputy will know from his experience, there are a range of channels as regards stopping fire to protect soldiers in what is a very challenging environment.

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