Minister visits Custume Barracks to review Syria-bound UN troops

The Minister with Responsibility for Defence Paul Kehoe was in Athlone's Custume Barracks today to review the members of the 60th Infantry Group who will leave shortly for service with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights.
A significant number of local soldiers are involved in the 60th Infantry Group.

The Minister is pictured reviewing part of the 60th Infantry Group in Custume Barracks, Athlone, today.

Speaking during the Review, Minister Kehoe said, “Participation in overseas peacekeeping missions across the public service, but most particularly by our Defence Forces, is a key element of Ireland’s foreign policy.  It has been an important dimension in cementing Ireland’s international obligations as a committed member of the UN and the EU.”
Addressing the 60th Infantry Group, the Minister said “You, the men and women of the 60th Infantry Group under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Dwyer, are the latest to continue the long and proud tradition of supporting the United Nations in the cause of peace, stability and security.”
Soldiers from 26 counties around Ireland are represented among the 130 strong contingent deploying to UNDOF, 48 troops are deploying on their first tour of duty overseas.
The Minister went on to say “The role of the Defence Forces, on overseas operations, is one of service to vulnerable communities and to the men, women and children devastated by conflict in their lands.”