Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 17: To ask the Minister for Defence, following his recent visit to Irish troops based in the Lebanon accompanying President McAleese, the duties with which the detachment is charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31325/11]

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 19: To ask the Minister for Defence the purpose of his visit to the troops in Lebanon; the work that the current detachment is carrying out; if he is satisfied that all measures related to their safety, including adequate equipment, are available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31326/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 19 together.

As the House will be aware, I had the honour of accompanying President McAleese on her official visit to Lebanon during the period 14 to 16 October 2011. On 15 October 2011, together with President McAleese, I had the pleasure of visiting Camp Shamrock the headquarters of the 104th Irish Infantry Battalion and meeting with members of the Battalion currently deployed with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This was followed by a tour of the Irish Battalion's area of operations. The visit to Lebanon afforded me an opportunity to see, at first hand, the dedication and professionalism of military personnel and the tremendous work done overseas by the Irish Defence Forces. I conveyed to the troops our deep appreciation for the outstanding manner in which they continue to perform their duties on overseas service.

The 104th Irish Infantry Battalion is based in Sector West of UNIFIL's area of operations in an area designated by the Force Commander, centred on the major towns of Tibnine and Bint Jubyal and the Blue Line which separates Lebanon and Israel. The Battalion is tasked primarily with patrolling, reconnaissance, and ground holding, while operating in close coordination and cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces in Sector West.

Appropriate force protection assets have been deployed by the Defence Forces to this mission, which are consistent with those of other troop contributors in the area. The Defence Forces are satisfied that they have sufficient capabilities, assets and experience to operate in the current and possible future UNIFIL environment in Lebanon. In addition, ongoing threat assessments are carried out in the mission area and we continually review both personal equipment and force assets, to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles. I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving with UNIFIL.