Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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65. To ask the Minister for Defence if he is aware of concerns in a number of quarters regarding Ireland's involvement in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force mission in the Golan Heights, and in particular in relation to the question of whether this mission is a success in terms of its aim of bringing peace to the area; if he has carried out any up-to-date analysis of the merits and impact of Ireland's role in this mission; the details of any such analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2791/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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A contingent of the Permanent Defence Force has been deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights since 2013. The current Irish contingent, the 50th Infantry Group, comprising 131 personnel, is based in UNDOF Headquarters in Camp Ziouani. It operates in the role of a Quick Reaction Force, which is on standby to assist with ongoing operations within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility. Eight (8) other Defence Forces personnel are also deployed in UNDOF Headquarters, including the Deputy Force Commander, Brigadier General Anthony Hanlon.

Since its temporary relocation from a number of positions in September 2014 and pending the time when UNDOF returns fully to the area of separation, UNDOF has, in line with its mandate from UNSCR 350 continued to maintain credible presence in the Golan and use its best efforts to implement its mandate.

In this context, UNDOF continues to engage with the parties on practical arrangements to allow the Force to continue to maintain the ceasefire, monitor, verify and report on violations of the Disengagement of Forces Agreement and exercise its critical liaison functions with the parties in order to implement its mandate.

The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas and these missions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The presence of the UNDOF mission remains an important element in ensuring stability on the Golan Heights and in the Middle East region.