Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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19. To ask the Minister for Defence his views on whether Irish peacekeeping troops would be more effectively deployed to locations other than the Golan Heights, in view that the 40 years of the UNDOF mission has failed to facilitate the resolution of the conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34548/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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A contingent of the Permanent Defence Force was deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in September 2013 at the request of the United Nations. The current deployment, the 44th Irish Infantry Group UNDOF, comprises 130 troops and consists of a Force Reserve Company and support elements. Their role includes the provision of a Quick Reaction Force which is on standby to assist with on-going operations within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility. Since its establishment in 1974, UNDOF has successfully supervised the implementation of the Disengagement Agreement between the Israeli and Syrian forces, maintaining an area of separation between the forces which is over 75 kilometres long. The mission has also been successful in supporting the efforts of the international community both in the Golan Heights region of Syria and in the broader Middle-East region. However, the escalation of the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic has affected the UNDOF area of operations significantly in the past year or so.

In light of the evolving situation in the mission area, I have requested the UN to review the capacity of the mission to fulfil its mandate. The UN Security Council will be briefed later today on UNDOF and how the mission can respond to the changed circumstances. Already, there has been fundamental realignment of the mission over the weekend reflecting the situation on the ground. The Force Headquarters, including the Irish contingent, have been redeployed from Camp Faouar to Camp Ziouani, which is on the Israeli side of the separation zone, in response to developments on the ground.

The outcome of the review by the UN may result in significant changes to the mission that will permit Ireland’s continued support and participation. The Irish contribution to UNDOF is an important element of the Force. In this regard, I would like to pay tribute to the members of the 44th Infantry Group in their role as UNDOF’s Quick Reaction Force in discharging their duties effectively in the challenging operating conditions they face in the region.