John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

739. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the impact the conflict in Syria and Iraq is having on the security situation in Lebanon, in particular with reference to the fact that Irish troops are participating in peacekeeping operations in southern Lebanon and in the Golan Heights region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11278/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

At the request of the United Nations, and following Government and Dáil Éireann approval, contingents of the Permanent Defence Forces have been deployed to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 2011 and to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), on the Golan Heights since 2013. The longstanding presence of these UN peacekeeping missions has played an important role in bringing stability to this region. Over 330 Irish peacekeepers are currently serving at these UN missions.

During my visit to the region last month I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet some of the Irish personnel serving at the UNIFIL mission and to see firsthand the contribution they are making to the mission.

I also received a briefing from the UNIFIL Force Commander, Major General Luciano Portolano, both on the role of the mission and on the impact of the conflict in Syria.

Among the issues facing the country as a result of the conflict are the influx of refugees into Lebanon and the increasing demands on the Lebanese Armed Forces. On Thursday 19^thMarch, the President of the UN Security Council issued a statement expressing, among other things, “deep concern at the increasing and negative impact of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon's stability and the immediate threat to its security”.

As is the case with all of our overseas deployments, issues relating to the safety and security of the Defence Force personnel are kept under continuous review by the Minister for Defence.

Support for Lebanon's sovereignty and security are key Irish policies in Lebanon, and our long-standing support for the UNIFIL mission is a vital component of this policy.