Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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72. To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force mission in the Golan Heights is an effective use of the skills and experience of the Defence Forces; if he has had any discussions regarding discontinuing the Irish participation in this mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2792/16]

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.

Defence Forces skills and experience have been put to good effect through our participation in UNDOF. In particular, the provision of a Quick Reaction Force, Explosive Ordnance Demolition and Engineer Special Search capability have been vital to the mission from the perspective of safety, security and effectiveness, including in the reinforcement, evacuation and medical evacuation of injured personnel.

The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas and these missions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. At the informal meeting of Defence Ministers in Luxembourg on 3rd September 2015, I had discussions regarding the Defence Forces participation in UN peacekeeping operations including the UNDOF mission, with the UN Under Secretary-General, Mr Hervé Ladsous.I confirmed Ireland’s commitment to UN operations but stressed the importance of Ireland being involved in active rather than passive peacekeeping. In relation to UNDOF, I pointed out that if Ireland was not required in UNDOF in the future, then consideration would be given to other options for deployments on behalf of the UN. At this point in time, however, the presence of the UNDOF mission remains an important element in ensuring stability on the Golan Heights and in the Middle East region.