Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 6: To ask the Minister for Defence the nature of the mission being undertaken by Irish troops serving in Lebanon; the number of troops serving there by rank; the nature of the equipment being deployed there; the current risk assessment; his plans to visit the troops serving there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38051/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 25: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the deployment of Irish troops to Lebanon. [38178/06]

Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 39: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on the deployment of Irish troops to Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38111/06]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 42: To ask the Minister for Defence the duties that have been assigned to the Irish troops in Lebanon; the location of the Irish troops in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38183/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 25, 39 and 42 together.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, was originally established on 19 March 1978 under United Nations Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426, following the then invasion of Lebanon by Israel. In response to the crisis of July and August 2006, under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 the UN decided to extend the mandate of UNIFIL to the end of August 2007, and to increase its troop strength from approximately 2,000 troops to a maximum of 15,000.

The council also decided that, in addition to carrying out its original mandate under Council Resolutions 425 and 426, UNIFIL would also monitor the cessation of hostilities; accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout southern Lebanon and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.

The nature of the expanded UNIFIL mandate is such that its role is to be considerably more robust than it was prior to the adoption of Resolution 1701, while still operating under Chapter VI of the UN Charter. UNIFIL will assist the Government of Lebanon to exercise its authority throughout the UNIFIL area of operations. It will take all necessary action, acting in support of the Government of Lebanon, "to ensure that its area of operations is not utilised for hostile activities of any kind and to resist attempts by forceful means to prevent it from discharging its duties under the mandate of the Security Council".

Following the ceasefire which took effect on 14 August 2006, the Government monitored the situation with a view to determining how best Ireland might contribute to the expanded UNIFIL mission. Against this background, an option was identified whereby Ireland might partner Finnish troops and provide a protection detail to a planned Finnish engineering company.

On 3 October 2006, the Government authorised, subject to Dáil approval, the despatch of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force to UNIFIL. The necessary enabling motion was moved in the Dáil on 10 October 2006 and approved on 11 October 2006.

The 34th Irish Infantry Group deployed to South Lebanon on 31 October 2006 as part of the integrated Finnish-Irish battalion. The Irish group has a total strength of 158 personnel, comprising 21 officers, 58 NCOs, 78 privates and a chaplain. The Finnish engineer group comprises 211 Finnish military personnel. In addition, six Defence Forces personnel continue to be deployed at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura.

The Finnish-Irish battalion is located in Sector East of the UNIFIL area of operations, at a newly constructed camp, known as Camp Ida, near the village of Ebel Es Saqi in the general area of Blate. The Finnish engineering unit will carry out tasks in support of UNIFIL and also some humanitarian work, including dealing with unexploded ordnance clearance. While the Irish unit will be tasked primarily with providing protection to the Finnish engineering company, it will also be available to undertake other security tasks as may be directed by the UNIFIL force commander.

The Irish mechanised company has significant force protection capabilities and assets, including 12 Mowag armoured personnel carriers and is supported by a cavalry troop with its six AML armoured cars. These armoured assets provide the unit with significant protection, firepower and a mobility capability. The threat assessment in the short term is considered low, with the main danger being posed by the significant amount of unexploded ordnance and war debris which remains in the area.

Initial deployment is for one year subject to renewal of the mandate and a satisfactory review of the mission at that time. In line with standing policy that the duration of any deployment should be set at the outset of a mission, it is considered that Defence Forces involvement in UNIFIL should not exceed a maximum of two to three years in duration. I look forward to visiting the Irish contingent serving with UNIFIL in the near future when they have settled into their new camp and when the unit has become fully operational.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply to a subject in which we are all interested. Many Deputies, particularly in the Dublin region, know people who are serving in that force. There are certainly people from my constituency serving with it. Earlier today, those of us who listened to "Morning Ireland" will have heard the interview with the Muslim extremist. We all saw the "Newsnight" programme the other night also. In light of the threat from that cleric, who I understand is from Lebanon, what risk analysis has been carried out with regard to the involvement of our troops in Lebanon, particularly before they left? Does the Minister have any intelligence concerning the current level of threat to Irish personnel there? I understand the Minister will be going to Lebanon soon so perhaps he might mention me if he meets anyone there from my constituency. What action will the Minister take to raise those threats that have been made on the airwaves, including RTE, at the highest levels of the Lebanese Government? I heard that broadcast this morning——

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy should put a question please.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is my question.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy is going off script.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No. At my age, I sometimes need to have notes but I do not use scripts. The Minister should understand the level of interest in this subject, particularly in light of threats that have been made on the airwaves.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A detailed threat assessment was carried out jointly with the Finns during a reconnaissance mission to Lebanon in September. We also consulted closely with UNIFIL and some of the other nations involved. The threat assessment was "low but within a volatile situation". In other words, while the threat is low at the moment, a number of issues could trigger a conflict again. That assessment is not dissimilar to those that preceded the despatch of troops to Liberia and Kosovo. We are keeping the situation under ongoing review. The threat assessment remains the same.

There are a number of matters in Lebanon, for example, the future disarming of Hizbollah, which could be potential flashpoints. The resupply of Hizbollah by Syria is also a potential flashpoint, among others. There are a number of al-Qaeda camps in southern Lebanon, which train jihadists on the way to Iraq. We do not know what action, if any, the Lebanese army will take in that regard. We are aware of all those potential flashpoints. We have deployed the troops for a year and will reconsider the situation next August or September.

Deputy O'Connor suggested that we should raise the matter with the Lebanese Government at the highest level. I will be meeting Lebanese Government officials on my forthcoming trip to Lebanon during which I will express my concern for the safety of our troops. I can also assure the Deputy that if I happen to meet anybody from Tallaght I will certainly mention his name.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister said he will raise the matter with the Lebanese Government but that is if we have any such government. That is surely the biggest potential flashpoint. The leader of Hizbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, has said there may not be a Lebanese Government because it may collapse. He has accused members of that government of collaborating with the Israelis. Does the Minister agree that this situation is extremely volatile? Under those circumstances, what contingency plans does he have to remove our troops if the situation becomes very serious? The Minister spoke about a time span of two to three years but has he discussed the issue with his colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs? If there are no talks a vacuum will arise, which is a serious situation in itself. Does the Minister agree that the sooner we have real talks, as Tony Blair has suggested — at long last common sense is prevailing — and the Iranians and Syrians are at the table, that will be the best way to get stability? It would be the best solution for our troops in the long term.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I agree with Deputy Gormley on the latter point. I have had ongoing discussions with the Minister for Foreign Affairs about the matter. The two to three-year timescale can be a bit misleading. The last time we went into Lebanon we intended to spend a few years there but finished up spending 23 years in the country. The Government has made it clear that the maximum deployment to Lebanon will be two to three years. The current deployment, however, is only until next August. Coming up to next August we will have to re-examine the situation. Depending upon the position then, it may be that we will not be going back there in August. We just do not know and that has to be decided.

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to support my colleague, Deputy O'Connor, in expressing concern for our troops in their overseas role. They deserve our congratulations. The concern arises from the threat assessment. Will the Minister clarify the need for triple-lock approval? Does it apply in all situations? Will the Minister indicate briefly what criteria apply before deciding to deploy Defence Forces contingents on overseas missions?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The triple-lock mechanism, involving Government and Dáil approval together with a UN resolution, applies in all cases where troops are deployed, under arms, on overseas peacekeeping missions. Under the provisions of the Defence Act, Dáil approval is not required if the number going overseas is fewer than 12.

On the criteria that apply, we must first decide how usefully Ireland can contribute to the mission. In addition, we must decide how well the mission is financed and how it gels with the demands of Irish foreign policy. Apart from whether our troops can improve the situation out there, the risk to our troops is the paramount consideration. That is something to which any Government sending troops abroad from this country has always paid great attention. Before making an informed decision, one must take advice and gather intelligence from the people who go out on reconnaissance and other relevant military personnel, as well as UN people. Therefore, the criteria comprise the list I have outlined along with the requirements of the triple-lock, which means UN authorisation, a Government decision and Dáil approval.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As regards the location of the troops, are they all located in the same place? Are they all in a supporting role with the Finnish engineering unit? Are they likely to be moving around, considering the type of work that will be required of an engineering unit? Will Irish troops be getting involved in any humanitarian activities or are they so involved at this time? When the first six months are up, as part of the assessment to be undertaken will the Minister produce a formal report that will be laid before the House for debate?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not know what is the practice as regards the third issue raised by the Deputy, or whether we do that after six months. I will inquire and if there is no problem with it I will be happy to discuss the matter after six months.

As regards the deployment of troops, they will be in the general area of Blatt beside the village of Belasaki in the eastern sector, south of the Litani river. They will all be in the same place at the joint Irish-Finnish Camp Ida. They will be moving around providing protection details for Finnish engineers when they are doing construction work. They will also be providing protection details for Finnish troops when they are clearing unexploded ordnance. In addition, they will be undertaking other tasks assigned to them by the UNIFIL force commander, which could include security duty in other locations, escort duty and patrols. Ultimately, therefore, even though their primary duty is to protect the Finnish engineers, they are liable to be assigned to other duties by the force commander, which could include humanitarian work.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to be associated with Deputy Costello's remarks on the report the Minister commissioned on the Niemba ambush. I compliment the Minister and Colonel Behan on that, in addition to Dr. O'Donoghue. I am sure when the Minister is in Lebanon he will pass on the regards of Senator Brian Hayes, the spokesperson on defence for the Fine Gael Party in the Seanad, to any troops he meets.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

He will be sent there for six months.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Defusing bombs.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I did not say that.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Do not tempt me.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will Deputy Timmins be brief? We are running out of time.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Has the Minister received any requests for additional troops to be sent to Lebanon? Is there a chance we could increase our commitment there when we are finished in Liberia? Can the Minister tell the House how he views the submission by the Permanent Defence Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, for an increase in the overseas allowance? Good faith is fine but it would be nice to see good works also.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will certainly pass on Senator Brian Hayes's felicitations when I am in Lebanon. I have had no request for additional troops there. We still have 320 troops in Liberia but they will be finished next summer and will be available to go elsewhere. There are several places that could request our services.

Overseas allowances must go through the conciliation and arbitration process but I said at the PDFORRA conference that such a request would be very sympathetically considered.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Minister for Defence for correcting the Dáil record on the Niemba case and the inquiry. I urge the Army to honour Private Kennedy and Private Fitzpatrick.

I ask the Minister to make the protection of civilians in Lebanon the priority issue when bringing a message to the United Nations and the armed forces. He can use his authority and the forum of the UN to ensure the maximum protection of civilians is achieved, particularly given the men, women and children slaughtered there recently. It is important that this be a priority of the Irish troops serving there as part of the UN force.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The priorities of the troops are set by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, force commander. One of the duties envisaged for the Lebanese Army when it enters southern Lebanon is not only the protection of civilians, but allowing them access to humanitarian assistance and Irish troops will play a part in this regard. Ireland is working hard at the United Nations, through the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to have the law changed to considerably restrict the use of cluster weapons which were deployed to such ill-effect in Lebanon.