Written answers
Tuesday, 26 June 2018
Department of Defence
Defence Forces Deployment
Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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60. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures that have been taken to ensure the safety of Irish troops deployed to the Golan Heights. [27732/18]
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, 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 57th Infantry Group comprising approximately 130 personnel, are currently based in Camp Ziouani on the Israeli side of the area of separation. An additional 8 Irish personnel are based in UNDOF Headquarters in Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation including the Mission Chief of Staff, Colonel Michael Dawson.
In line with the UN's plan for redeployment of the mission back to the Syrian side of the area of separation, an incremental return of the UNDOF mission to Camp Faouar has been ongoing since November 2016. The planned Phase III involves a full return of military personnel, including the Irish contingent comprising Force Reserve Company, to Camp Faouar. It is anticipated that the relocation of the UNDOF mission to the Syrian side will be completed by September 2018.
I have previously advised that certain conditions would have to be met before a full return of Irish Defence Force personnel to Camp Faouar would be permitted. Significant action, including reconstruction and re-enforcement of Camp Faouar and its facilities and observation posts and restoration of appropriate has been ongoing for some time, with major progress made in recent months. A detailed review of the conditions in UNDOF was recently carried out by senior military personnel. The military authorities have advised that the necessary infrastructural requirements in relation to force protection, accommodation and medical facilities are in place in the Camp. Based on that assessment, I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel can relocate to Camp Faouar in accordance with the phased implementation of the UN Plan. This would mean the completion of that relocation, probably in September.
The security situation in UNDOF will continue to be monitored closely and any necessary adjustments to ensure the safety and security of personnel will be made as required.
The safety of Irish Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions is always a concern to me, my Government colleagues and to the military authorities. Our ability to protect the health and safety of our personnel is of paramount concern when considering any mission.
While no absolute guarantees can be given with regard to the safety of troops serving in missions, it is the policy and practice to ensure that Defence Forces personnel serving overseas are appropriately trained and equipped with the most modern and effective equipment to carry out their mission, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission.
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