Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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47. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department maintains constant contact with families of Irish troops in Lebanon, given the rising tensions in the areas present evolving situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40311/24]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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48. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the safety and well-being of Defence Forces personnel in Lebanon given the ongoing situation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40310/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.

At the outset, I would like to state that the safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces’ personnel stationed in Lebanon remains of paramount concern to myself and to the Government.

Both the Government and I are deeply concerned about this evolving and fluid situation, which has seen a significant escalation of violence across the country in recent weeks, including incursions across the Blue Line by the IDF, and reports of Israeli fire on UN positions.

I condemn these incidents in the strongest possible terms. It is reprehensible and unacceptable to injure peacekeepers and to put them in harm's way. I have made, and will continue to make, the Government's concern on this clear both bilaterally to Israel and to UN headquarters. I have reminded Israel of its obligation to protect peacekeepers, and I have highlighted that its actions are in breach of international humanitarian law and that there is a need for full accountability for any actions taken.

I have been advised that all Irish personnel remain in place in UNIFIL positions, the locations of which have been notified to the Israeli Defence Forces, and that all are accounted for and well. All Defence Forces’ personnel continue to comply with UN security precautions during this period, this includes taking shelter in protected positions as and when as and when required, arising from UNIFIL HQ direction.

I remain in regular contact with the UN and with the Chief of Staff with regard to the ongoing situation. My Department is also regularly kept appraised of all developments in those areas where Defence Forces personnel are deployed.

Defence Forces HQ has reaffirmed to me that the safety of troops remains paramount in every activity undertaken, and personnel continue to take every precaution in terms of force protection. There are robust force protection measures in place to provide for the safety and security of all personnel, and these measures have been augmented and are continually reviewed and enhanced as necessary to address any emerging threats. It is important to remain aware also that all our people are highly trained, professional, and have undergone rigorous preparation to effectively handle the challenges that come with peacekeeping in this volatile region.

I am very conscious of the well-being of both troops who are in Lebanon and their families at home. They have all shown huge resilience in a difficult situation. For concerned family members of personnel, I fully recognise that it is a difficult and challenging time for them, and that they also require our support. In that regard arrangements are in place that a family liaison officer is communicating regularly with families, as is the Defence Forces Press Office. I requested the Defence Forces to increase liaison with families of personnel over the last two weeks. Support is also available for families of personnel through the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service and through Unit Liaison Officers, who can be contacted through their local Barracks.

In terms of maintaining contact between personnel and their families, there have been some WiFi issues in Irish positions, which for understandable reasons civilian contractors have not been able to remedy, but official military lines of communication are operating normally, as are the phone landlines.

To conclude, Ireland remains committed to Lebanon and to UNIFIL, and the Defence Forces remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting peace and stability in Lebanon and remains vigilant and proactive in safeguarding all troops, ensuring they are well-protected and able to perform their duties effectively.