Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
37. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update about the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon given recent remarks by UN high representative (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49965/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UNIFIL mission has been operating in an increasingly volatile environment in recent months. I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism, courage and commitment of all peacekeepers, including our Defence Forces personnel, who continue to proudly serve under the United Nations flag at this critical moment for UNIFIL, in very challenging circumstances.
Seven peacekeepers have been tragically killed while serving with UNIFIL so far this year.
We pay tribute to the brave peacekeepers from France, Indonesia and Serbia who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace, and wish a swift and full recovery to the other UN personnel who have been injured in recent incidents.
Ireland has been unequivocal in our condemnation of attacks on UNIFIL personnel and premises.
Attacks on peacekeepers are a violation of international law and must be met with full accountability. This is why Ireland was proud to co-sponsor last week’s UN Security Council Resolution on Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers, which aims to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of attacks against UN personnel.
UNIFIL's mandate will come to an end on 31 December 2026, with withdrawal to take place over the following 12 months.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland believes that a continued UN presence in Lebanon after the expiry of UNIFIL’s mandate remains essential to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and to support peace and stability in the country and wider region.
We look forward to constructive discussions on the options recently presented to the UN Security Council by the UN Secretary-General on the post-UNIFIL context.
