The Defence Forces have almost 460 personnel serving between the two UN missions referenced by the Deputy. As of 1 November, 319 Irish personnel were attached to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, and 136 were serving with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Syria, UNDOF.
All Defence Forces personnel are maintaining a high level of vigilance and continue to monitor the developing situation in their respective mission areas. All personnel serving in the Middle East region are accounted for and are safe and well. They are complying with UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as appropriate.
The deployment of the 123rd Infantry Battalion to UNIFIL to replace the 122nd Battalion is well under way and will be completed later this month. The safety and security of Ireland's Defence Forces personnel are of paramount concern to the Government.
Before deployment, Defence Forces peacekeepers are well trained and prepared to anticipated events such as cases of sporadic fire in their area of operations. This has required taking shelter in protected positions on several occasions since the outbreak of hostilities. Defence Forces personnel serving in all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment as well as the required protection specific to the mission. Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in the mission area and personal equipment and force assets are continually reviewed to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their role.
Unfortunately, no mission is without danger, but I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving overseas. I am in ongoing contact with the Chief of Staff and the Department of Defence and I am being kept apprised of all developments in those areas where Defence Forces personnel are deployed. We will continue to closely monitor the situation with our partners in the United Nations and the wider international community.