Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2024
164. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if Irish peacekeepers have recorded any violations of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, UNSCR 1701, by all parties involved in the conflict in Lebanon over the past four weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44676/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the last four weeks the Deputy will be aware of the challenging and difficult operational environment Irish peacekeepers face in UNIFIL.
In order to implement its mandate as defined by the UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), UNIFIL carries out a range of operations across its Area of Operations between the Litani river in the north and the Blue Line (Line of Withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces) in the south. These include day and night-time patrols, establishment of observation points, monitoring of the Blue Line, and carrying out clearance of unexploded ordnances and cluster munitions.
IRISHPOLBATT is tasked with permanently monitoring the Blue Line from its forward posts UNPs 6-50 (Polish) and 6-52 (Irish). IRISHPOLBATT headquarters is at Camp Shamrock near AT TIRI at UNP 2-45.
Due to the current security situation there have been some limitations on operational activities being carried out by Irish peacekeepers. However the presence of Irish peacekeepers in theatre has allowed them to continue to monitor and report, in an accurate and timely manner, any violations of UNSCR 1701 by all parties involved in the conflict.
The reporting of violations of UNSCR 1701 form part of UNIFIL HQ reports and these are submitted quarterly by the UNIFIL Force Commander to UN HQ in New York.
