Press release
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin visits Irish Troops in UNIFIL ahead of meetings with Lebanese Government
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, is visiting Lebanon today (Sunday) to meet Irish troops serving with the United Nations Interim Force Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The Tánaiste will travel to Camp Shamrock (UNP 2-45) to greet the members of the 124th Infantry Battalion in UNFIL. UNIFIL represents Ireland’s largest overseas deployment and the Tánaiste recently approved deployment of an additional platoon of 33 Irish troops to serve with the Irish Battalion.
Speaking ahead of the visit, the Tánaiste said:
“I am very much looking forward to meeting our peacekeepers who serve with such distinction in UNIFIL, and in a very challenging environment amid escalating tensions due to the war in Gaza.
“We recently reaffirmed our continuing support to UNIFIL and the important role it plays in de-escalation in the south of Lebanon, through an increased force protection element to the battalion.
“The dedication of Defence Force personnel and their families is a vital part of Ireland’s commitment to global peace and security. Nowhere is this engagement more evident, than in South Lebanon.”
Upon arrival at Camp Shamrock, the Tánaiste will receive an Honour Guard from Defence Forces personnel, meet UN and Irish Military leaders, and address Irish Troops.
The Tánaiste’s itinerary also includes meetings with the Lebanese Minister for Defence Maurice Sleem, and Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdallah BouHabib. It is his second visit to Beirut in the aftermath of the death of Private Sean Rooney.
The Tánaiste added:
“A central focus of my visit will be meeting with Lebanese Ministers to communicate the absolute determination of the Irish Government to ensure those responsible for Private Rooney’s death are brought to justice.”
The Tánaiste is accompanied by the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Jacqui McCrum, and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy.
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