Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

60. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the next steps for the highly-trained soldiers on peacekeeping duties in Lebanon, given the deteriorating situation between Israel and that country and that more widely in the region, the evidence shows the IDF behaving in ways not in accordance with accepted international rules of military engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38654/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 the Government, and I wish to agree with her statement on the highly trained nature of our soldiers on peacekeeping duties in the region. Our personnel are indeed highly trained, professional, and have undergone rigorous preparation to effectively handle the challenges that come with peacekeeping in this volatile region.

Over the last week, there has been a significant escalation of violence across Lebanon, in terms of Israeli air strikes and Hezbollah rocket fire however. The Defence Forces has advised that this escalation has led to an increased level of kinetic activity in the UNIFIL Area of Operations including in the IRISHPOLBATT area of operations. This has led to the Irish personnel taking shelter in their bunker positions (termed a ‘GROUNDHOG’) on a number of occasions for varying periods of duration.

I wish to reassure the Deputy that Defence Forces HQ remains in ongoing contact with Irish personnel in the three UN missions (UNIFIL, UNTSO and UNDOF) in the region throughout the current unrest, and advise that all Irish personnel are all accounted for and are safe and well. The safety of troops remains paramount in terms of every activity undertaken, and personnel continue to take every precaution in terms of force protection.

I also wish to reassure the Deputy that ongoing threat assessments are carried out in the mission area and personal equipment and force assets are continually reviewed so that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their role. Unfortunately, no mission is without danger, but based on the military advice I have received, I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to provide for the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving overseas. I also remain in regular contact with the UN and with the Chief of Staff with regard to the ongoing situation. The Department of Defence is also regularly kept appraised of all developments in those areas where Defence Forces personnel are deployed.

Finally, and despite the extremely difficult situation, UNIFIL remains committed to its mission and continues to adapt in order to deliver on the mission’s mandate in this very hostile situation. Likewise, Irish personnel remain focussed on carrying out their mission. While Ireland remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting peace and stability in Lebanon, our Defence Forces will however remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding all troops, ensuring they are well-protected and able to perform their duties effectively.