Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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94. To ask the Minister for Defence the action that is being taken to ensure that Irish troops in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebannon contingent are guaranteed freedom of movement in fulfilling their United Nations mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41172/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The 51st Infantry Group is the latest contingent of the Defence Forces who deployed this month to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The Irish contingent comprising 197 personnel is based primarily in Camp 2-45 as part of a joint battalion with Finland. The decision by Government to send troops overseas is never taken lightly. The safety of all Irish Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions is always a concern to me, my Government colleagues and to the military authorities. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of mission specific training. Such training, which is updated on an ongoing basis in the light of increased threat, has been designed to allow Defence Forces personnel to carry out their tasks and to provide for their protection.

Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment to carry out their mission. This equipment enables troops to fulfill the roles assigned to them, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. In addition to training and equipment, ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and both equipment and force assets are continually reviewed to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfill their roles.

The reality is that no peacekeeping mission is without danger. I am confident, however that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel currently serving overseas. I am advised by the Defence Forces that Commanders in the mission, at all levels, liaise with the Host Nation, the Lebanese Armed Forces and local stakeholders to ensure that all aspects of the mission, including Freedom of Movement, are achievable.