Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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54. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the activities of the Defence Forces in the Golan Heights UNDOF mission, in particular their transition back to the Syrian side of the area relevant to the mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39998/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Since its establishment in 1974, UNDOF has been a successful mission in supporting the efforts of the international community both in the Golan Heights and in the Middle East region. A contingent of the Permanent Defence Force has been deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) since 2013.

Following significant events in August 2014 in the area of separation, the UNDOF mission relocated temporarily from Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation to Camp Ziouani on the Israeli side of the area of separation.

The process to return to the Syrian side of the area of separation was commenced in 2016 with the enhancement of force protection measures at Camp Faouar.

In March 2018, the UNDOF Headquarters returned to Camp Faouar and the Chief of Staff UNDOF, Colonel Michael Dawson, together with seven other members of the Defence Forces moved with the headquarters. The main Irish contingent, comprising a Force Reserve Company of some 130 personnel, completed their relocation to Camp Faouar on 3 September 2018. Their role includes the provision of a Quick Reaction Force which is on standby to assist with the on-going operations within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility. The Irish Infantry Group is also tasked with carrying out patrols and convey escorts as necessary.

The relocation of Irish personnel follows on-going assessment of the security situation in the region and the continued enhancement of the force protection measures and living standards within Camp Faouar.

The UNDOF mission maintains regular contact with the Israeli Defence Forces and Syrian Arab Armed Forces in the context of its role in the area of separation, ensuring the security and safety of its personnel and a common understanding of its role between the parties.

The continued presence of the UNDOF mission remains an important element in ensuring stability on the Golan Heights and the Middle East region.

As the Deputy will be aware, there has, unfortunately, been a delay this week in the return home of personnel from the 57th Infantry Group and the deployment of the 58th Infantry Group. This was due to circumstances beyond our control. The Department of Defence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Ireland’s embassy in Cairo are actively engaging with authorities in Lebanon and Syria and with the UN and the UNDOF mission to secure the relevant clearances in order to ensure the rotation of the contingent and the return home of those personnel completing service with UNDOF at the earliest opportunity.

Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent)
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56. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to increase the number of Defence Forces personnel deployed overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39923/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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As of 01 October 2018, Ireland is contributing 616 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 353 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 128 personnel and the Naval Service EU Naval Mission (Operation Sophia) with 61 personnel.

The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest overseas deployment and on 22 May 2018 the Government approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in UNIFIL for a further 12 month period. Irish troops are currently serving as part of a joint Irish-Finnish Battalion in UNIFIL. Since May 2015 the Finnish contingent has included an Estonian Platoon comprising some 36 personnel.

When I sought Government approval, I advised that both Finland and Estonia will withdraw from the Irish-Finnish Battalion in UNIFIL on 31 December 2018. I also informed Government that options were being examined for replacing the Finnish contingent, including the option for the temporary increase of the Irish Defence Force contingent.

In August 2018, I advised the Government that I have approved the additional deployment of approximately 106 Defence Forces Personnel to the UNIFIL mission to cover the backfilling of the absent Finnish contingent for the 12 period from November 2018 to November 2019. Discussions are on-going with potential partner countries who may be in a position to provide a permanent replacement for the Finnish contingent after November 2019.

The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.