Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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43. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures being taken to ensure safety of Irish peacekeeping troops stationed in Lebanon and in particular their monitoring of the blue line demarcation between Lebanon and Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42057/24]

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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44. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the up-to-date position on risk assessments carried out in the past eight weeks 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. [42058/24]

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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45. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if an evacuation plan is agreed if or when it is needed to evacuate Irish peacekeeping troops serving in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42059/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 to 45, inclusive, together.

At the outset I want to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to support all of the Defence Force personnel who are serving in Lebanon during these very volatile times.

As you will be aware the situation in Lebanon is currently very tense and unpredictable. I am deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon and the launch of Israeli ground incursions and in particular where breaches of the Blue Line by Israel are close to where we have Irish personnel.

I can confirm to you that all our troops remain well, despite the circumstances and I want to assure you that the safety and security of our personnel is of the utmost priority for both me and for Government.

There is no doubt that our troops are operating in a particularly challenging environment, but I can reassure the Deputy that there are robust force protection measures in place to support the safety and security of all personnel, and these measures are continually reviewed and enhanced to address any emerging threats.

All Defence Forces’ personnel continue to maintain an elevated level of vigilance and monitor the developing situation in their respective mission areas. They are complying with UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as and when appropriate, and their operational tasks are currently restricted due to the security situation.

It is important to remember that all our people are highly trained, well equipped, professional, and have undergone rigorous preparation to effectively manage the challenges that come with peacekeeping in this volatile region.

Both the Government and I are deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon and the launch of Israeli ground incursions, especially in the vicinity of Irish positions, and I have made these concerns clear both bilaterally to Israel and to UN headquarters at the highest levels.

I have strongly condemned the IDF targeting and firing on UNIFIL positions in Lebanon. It is reprehensible and unacceptable to injure peacekeepers and to put them in harm's way. Israel has an obligation to protect peacekeepers and its actions are in breach of international humanitarian law. There needs to be full accountability for these actions.

I 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. The UN has stated that UNIFIL continues to engage actively with the parties to help de-escalate tensions along the Blue Line.

I also wish to reassure the Deputy that ongoing risk 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 and support their safety. 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 should point out to the deputy that though it is not the practice to ordinarily comment on operational matters, I wish to reassure him that contingency planning is part and parcel of the planning in operational deployments, including in UNIFIL. Given the ongoing security issues in South Lebanon, contingency planning is ongoing should the need for evacuation arise. The Government has been engaging with the UN and with international partners as part of this process. It should be underlined however that the Government remains committed to our Missions in the Middle-East, with UNIFIL.