Local troops mission to golan heights will go ahead

Fine Gael TD for Longford/Westmeath Gabrielle McFadden has welcomed the confirmation from Minister for Defence Simon Coveney that he has advised the Government that the 46th Infantry Group will commence deployment to the Golan Heights next month and therefore that the Defence Forces will continue to participate in this important mission.

“I welcome the decision to continue the participation of Irish troops in Golan Heights. I have no doubt that the UN will welcome Minister Coveney’s announcement, given the high regard in which the Irish troops are held in that troubled part of the world. Indeed the continued participation of Irish troops is seen as vital to the success of the peacekeeping mission there.

 “This was not a decision taken lightly by Minister Coveney, his Department or the Defence Forces.  A huge amount of work has taken place behind the scenes in recent weeks to ensure that all necessary protections and safeguards are in place for our troops. This included a full threat assessment and mission reconnaissance which was carried out by the Defence Forces.

“The further escalation of conflict in Syria in recent months has caused further reviews. Given the evolving security situation, the mission has continued to review its operation to ensure that any risks are minimised. Minister Coveney also confirmed that in the past fortnight, there has been a fundamental realignment of the UNDOF mission reflecting the deteriorating situation on the ground.

“The Security Council recognised that it was important to maintain UNDOF’s force strength to the level necessary to carry out its important mandate, and to retain the quick reaction and counter-IED capabilities which are provided by Ireland and which the Council noted have proved indispensable in the face of the changing security environment. This proves the overall mission could not have continued without Irish involvement, a fact that the UN has confirmed.” 

The 46th Infantry Group includes a significant number of local soldiers and the Ministerial review took place in Custume Barracks earlier this month. However, he said he was delaying their departure until a full review of the mission was undertaken.