merrion street

Today, the Minister for Defence, Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D., reviewed the members of the 52nd  Infantry Group who will leave in the coming weeks for service with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights.

Speaking during the Review, the Minister said, “Ireland makes a substantial contribution to international peace support operations relative to its size.  Your commitment, service and loyalty to the traditions of the Defence Forces on overseas service contribute extensively to the high regard in which Ireland is held throughout the world.”

Addressing the 52nd  Infantry Group, the Minister said, “The decision by Government to send troops overseas is not taken lightly. Your safety and the safety of all Irish Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions is always the primary concern.  Our ability to protect the health and safety of our personnel is of paramount concern when considering any mission.”

The Minister went on to say, “the continued support of troop contributing countries such as Ireland to the mission is vital to allow the mission to continue the implementation of its mandate.” 

In concluding the Minister said,  “I want to wish each and every member of the 52nd Infantry Group, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Mark Hearns, a safe and successful mission. You are travelling to the UNDOF mission with my best wishes and with those of the rest of the nation. “


ENDS

Note to Editor

Following Government and Dáil approval Ireland completed its first deployment of a Force Mobile Reserve to the UNDOF mission on 28 September 2013.  The Irish contingent, comprising some 130 personnel, will replace personnel of the 50th Infantry Group who will shortly complete their tour of duty.  Eight (8) Defence Forces personnel also serve at the UNDOF Force Headquarters.

In response to a request from the United Nations in July 2014, Ireland nominated Brigadier General Tony Hanlon for the post of Deputy Force Commander of UNDOF mission. Ireland’s nomination was successful and the UN appointed Brigadier General Anthony Hanlon to the post of Deputy Force Commander of the mission with effect from 20 September 2014 for an initial contract period of one year.  At the request of the UN his period of service has been extended to 21 April 2016.

The mandate of the UNDOF mission was renewed on 22 December 2015 under UN Security Council Resolution 2257 (2015) for a further period of six months up to and including the 30 June 2016