Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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224. To ask the Minister for Defence if further consideration has been given to the deployment of Irish observers to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Syria; if deployed, the number that would be sent and the length the deployment would be expected to last; if he will outline Ireland's potential role in the UNDOF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23540/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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On 14 May 2013, the Government approved the deployment of a number of members of the Permanent Defence Force for service at the headquarters of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria. The UNDOF Mission was established by the United Nations on 31 May 1974 under United Nations Security Council Resolution 350 (1974) following the agreed disengagement of the Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights in May 1974. Since 1974, the mandate of UNDOF has been renewed every six months.

The exact date of the deployment of the Irish personnel to UNDOF headquarters is yet to be confirmed. However, it is expected that Irish personnel will deploy into the mission area circa 15 June 2013. The Irish contribution to the mission will comprise a total of three personnel - two officers and one senior Non-commissioned officer - to staff officer appointments in the Information Analysis Cell in the headquarters of the mission at Camp Faouar. Irish personnel will serve tours of duty of twelve months in duration.

UNDOF makes an important contribution to stability in the Middle East and participation by the Defence Forces in this mission will be a tangible demonstration of Ireland’s support for the United Nations in the challenging operating conditions it faces in the region.