Minister Simon Coveney, T.D., Reviews a selection of Irish Troops heading for service with UNDOF at Curragh Camp

Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, T.D.,

Reviews a selection of Irish Troops heading for service with UNDOF

Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp, Kildare

Monday, 13 September 2021

The Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D., today (13 September) reviewed a selection of the members of the 64th Infantry Group who will leave in the coming weeks for service with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights.

Ireland continues to make a substantial contribution to international peace and support operations relative to its size and, in his address to the troops the Minister said, “the UN peacekeeping continues to be one of the most flexible and effective tools available to the international community in responding to crises around the world. “

Soldiers from 18 counties around Ireland are represented among the 129 strong contingent deploying to UNDOF. More than a third of the group are about to deploy on their first tour of duty overseas.

Addressing the 64th Infantry Group, the Minister said, “Peacekeeping is a proud Irish tradition through which we demonstrate, in the most practical way, our concern and willingness to share responsibility for troubled populations around the globe as they navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.”

The Minister went on to say “As peacekeepers, you play an important role in improving the lives of vulnerable citizens on the ground. As we know, conflict can have devastating consequences and lead to increased numbers of migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons.”

Minister Coveney also recalled last week’s Security Council resolution on Peacekeeping. He described this first ever Irish-led Presidential text as “a rare sign of full consensus among the members of the Security Council and a clear statement of the priority which Ireland attaches to the issue of peacekeeping. This is most evidently demonstrated by you and those who have gone before you in the service of the United Nations since our first deployment in 1958.”

In his concluding remarks the Minister congratulated the members of the 64th Infantry Group led by Lieutenant Colonel James O’Shea on their achievements to date and wished them a safe and successful mission.

ENDS

Note to Editor

At the request of the United Nations, following Government and Dáil Éireann approval, a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force was deployed as the Force Mobile Reserve to UNDOF on the Golan Heights since 2013.

The Irish contingent of the 64th Infantry Group comprising some 129 personnel will deploy to Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation and replace personnel of the 63rd Infantry Group.

Quarantine arrangements: To safeguard local populations and peacekeepers, the 64 Infantry Group will undergo isolation/quarantine in Lynch Camp, Kilworth for the 14 days prior to departure for their flight in the early hours of 7th October 2021. The troops will also quarantine on arrival at the UNDOF mission.

Today’s Review was conducted in an outdoor setting and in strict compliance with social distancing guidelines and regulations.