Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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126. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on risk assessments carried out on the safety impact to Irish peacekeeping troops serving in Lebanon on their monitoring of the blue line between Lebanon and Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29793/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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At the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that the safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces’ personnel is of paramount concern to this Government. As Tánaiste and Minister of Defence, I remain in ongoing contact with the Chief of Staff and both I and the Department of Defence are kept apprised of developments in those areas in which Defence Forces’ personnel are deployed.

As recently as May, I visited the Irish deployment in UNIFIL to gain a further appreciation of the situation on the ground facing our troops, as well as to express my own and the Government’s appreciation for the valuable role they carry out in South Lebanon and the challenging environment in which they operate.

It is important to note that Defence Forces’ peacekeepers are well trained prior to deployment and capable of operating within the environment. In each of the missions in the Middle East including UNIFIL, personnel comply fully with all UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions (termed a GROUNDHOG) as and when appropriate.

Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in the mission area and personal equipment and force assets are continually reviewed to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their role. Unfortunately, no mission is without danger, but I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure that safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.

Finally, in terms of contingency planning, I can assure the Deputy that this is part and parcel of the planning in operational deployments should the need for evacuation ever arise. It should be underlined however that the Government remains committed to UNIFIL. We will continue to monitor the situation closely along with our partners in the UN and the wider international community.