Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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200. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to report on the role of the Defence Forces in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force on the Golan Heights; whether the decision to withdraw that force will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37287/23]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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201. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel based at Golan Heights as part of UNDOF for each year 2013 to 2023, inclusive; the numbers currently based at Golan Heights; the proposals to retain a presence in the event of an Irish withdrawal from the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37288/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.

Since 2013, Irish peacekeepers have played an important part in improving the lives of citizens on the ground in the Golan Heights as part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

As of 31 July 2023, 139 Defence Forces' personnel were serving with UNDOF and 2,690 individual tours had been conducted since the first deployment ten years ago.

The number of Defence Forces' personnel deployed with UNDOF in each year from 2013 to 2023 (31 July) are as follows.

The current role of the Defence Forces' Infantry Group includes the provision of a Quick Reaction Force. Their tasks range from emergency evacuation of UN personnel to the carrying-out of routine patrols and convoy escorts, as necessary.

The decision to withdraw the Infantry Group from UNDOF next spring was not an easy decision, either for the Defence Forces or the Government, but was based on military advice and it will allow the Defence Forces to undertake a process of consolidation with regard to their overseas commitments and to prepare for future peace-keeping missions as well as to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capacity available to fulfil their commitment to the EU Battlegroup 2024/2025.

That decision to withdraw the Infantry Group from UNDOF will not be revisited, not least given that plans to replace the Irish contingent are already well advanced. The 68^thInfantry Group, which is due to depart to the Golan Heights in October, will be the last large-scale deployment of military personnel to this mission, at least for the present time.

The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are engaging with the United Nations with a view to maintaining some staff posts in the mission and it is possible that the Defence Forces will continue to occupy a small number of such staff officer posts. This will, however, ultimately be a matter to be determined by the United Nations.

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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202. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 4 July 2023, the current plans for these vacant units; if they will be brought back into use, given the ongoing housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37370/23]

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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203. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 4 July 2023, if he will reallocate these vacant units to the local authority to be used as social housing, given the ongoing housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37371/23]

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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204. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the Defence Forces assessment of the vacant housing stock to ascertain their suitability to return to accommodation usage for serving personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37372/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 to 204, inclusive, together.

Following my instruction to the Defence Forces to carry out an assessment of the vacant housing stock within the Defence portfolio, my officials have engaged with the Defence Forces in relation to the drafting of the necessary tender documentation to carry out such an assessment. The revised tender documentation is awaited in my Department. In terms of re-allocating vacant units to the relevant housing authorities, my Department has previously transferred houses to such authorities and has recently engaged with same in relation to them taking over housing stock outside military installations.

Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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205. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update in relation to the application for a meritorious service promotion in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37436/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised that promotion to the rank of Corporal because of meritorious service or distinguished conduct is governed by Defence Forces Regulation, A10, para 38 (8).

This Regulation and the associated Administrative Instruction provide for such a promotion and indicate that an individual is nominated in the first instance by their Commanding Officer.

This nomination includes a comprehensive case outlining where a member has consistently been seen to contribute above and beyond what is expected of their rank. This is complemented by testimonials from serving and retired members. The application is then progressed through the chain of command to the relevant Formation HQ and the General Officer Commanding makes a determination as to whether a compelling case exists.

If the case is sufficiently compelling it is forwarded to Deputy Chief of Staff (Support), as the authorising authority, for consideration.

The Military Authorities have advised that the application in question, remains under consideration.