Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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40. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces’ personnel serving overseas at present; if the number is anticipated to change over the next 18 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60379/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As of 03 November 2025, Ireland is contributing 430 Defence Forces personnel to overseas peacekeeping missions and commitments. This reflects the Government's continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.

Ireland has always been a strong supporter of peacekeeping and contributions to peacekeeping operations and this is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN and UN-mandated peacekeeping operations, as well as by Ireland's engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Our peacekeepers are recognised internationally for their expertise and experience.

As the Deputy will know, on 28th August last, the UN Security Council renewed the UNIFIL mandate up to 31st December 2026, to be followed by a period of drawdown and withdrawal, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027. This will have the most significant impact on the numbers of the Defence Forces serving overseas over the next 18 months.

In terms of any potential increases in the numbers of Defence Forces personnel overseas over this period, Ireland considers the policy and political context in relation to any requests regarding Ireland's participation in various missions, and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. Any decision to deploy is made on the basis of policy advice and on the changing nature of demands and potential future mission profiles, as well as the assets and capabilities which can be made available by the Defence Forces for overseas deployment, given existing operational demands at home and overseas and also in the current more challenging security environment.