Press release
Minister Coveney reviews Irish Troops heading for service with UNIFIL
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Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney TD, met with a number of members of the Defence Forces who are part of the 119th Infantry Group who will leave in the coming weeks for service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The UNIFIL mission continues to represent Ireland’s largest overseas deployment.
Speaking during the review the Minister said:
"Ireland has made a huge commitment to supporting peace and security in the Middle East region and has participated in the UNIFIL mission since its establishment in 1978."
The Minister went on to say:
"This commitment to international peacekeeping is a very practical expression of values, which we hold dear as a nation, and of our commitment to the UN and to multilateralism. One of the central components of our peacekeeping tradition is the building of trust – in communities that for too long have suffered under a cloud of conflict."
Recalling that there are twenty four (24) female personnel deploying with the 119th Battalion, Minister Coveney said:
"A high priority for Ireland during our term on the UN Security Council is to advance the Women Peace and Security agenda which recognises that the deployment of female peacekeepers to operations significantly contributes to the improved wellbeing of women in conflict-affected regions. A significant female presence within our contingents contributes greatly with resolving conflict and connecting with local populations. It broadens the skills sets available within a peacekeeping mission and importantly provides role models for women, both at home and abroad.”
The Minister stated that he was keenly aware of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on members of the Defence Forces and their families. He concluded his remarks by wishing troops "a safe and successful mission under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Keyes" Officer Commanding the 119th Infantry Battalion.
Ireland has a long and well-regarded history of participation in overseas missions mandated by the United Nations since 1958. In that period, Defence Forces personnel have completed approximately 71,000 individual tours of duty in overseas missions. As of 1 October 2021, Ireland is contributing 564 personnel to various missions throughout the world.
The 119 Infantry Battalion will deploy to UNIFIL with 352 personnel, 9 Maltese and 343 Irish personnel. The Irish personnel are drawn from 25 counties across Ireland.
In order to meet the rigorous quarantine measures being implemented in UN Missions there are two different rotation dates. The full 119th Infantry Group will undergo isolation/quarantine in Coolmoney Camp in the Glen of Imaal. The first chalk will commence their 14 days of quarantine on 27 October and finish on 10 November prior to departure for UNIFIL on 10 November. They will then also have to quarantine on arrival at the Mission. The second chalk will commence quarantine on 17th November and finish on 1 December prior to departure for their flight on 1 December. They will also quarantine on arrival at the Mission. They will then commence operations as part of a multinational battalion comprising Irish, Maltese, Polish and Hungarian personnel, collectively referred to as IRISHPOLBATT.
Today’s event comprised a limited version of the usual Ministerial Review of departing contingents due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Review was conducted in an outdoor setting and in strict compliance with social distancing guidelines and regulations.