124. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Defence the engagement which has taken place with the United Nations and Ireland's international partners in relation to the future of the Irish peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL particularly in view of ongoing hostilities in Lebanon. [44191/26]

Sentiment score: 0.23

We are the only country in the world to have a continuous presence on UN mandated peace operations since 1958. Our peacekeepers have served with distinction and pride, and in particular with their deployment in Lebanon as part of the UNIFIL mission there. It is very disappointing that this mission is to come to an end and especially in light of ongoing hostilities in south Lebanon. Will the Minister please advise the House on the engagement her Department has had with the UN and international partners in relation to the future of Irish peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL? What arrangements are being put in place to ensure their safe and orderly removal from the region at the end of their current mandate?

Sentiment score: 0.37

Our peacekeepers have been operating in very difficult circumstances in recent months, as the Minister has outlined, with air strikes, drone strikes and ground operations in the Irish area of operation. The escalating hostilities and recent deaths of peacekeepers is extremely concerning. We need to make sure that the Irish peacekeepers are given every necessary protection. On top of that, the local Lebanese population has a great trust in our peacekeepers and respect for them. This is down to the peacekeepers' exemplary service and our own history of suffering oppression at the hands of colonial powers. The international community cannot let the end of the UNIFIL mandate create a vacuum in south Lebanon. For the local community who lives there the presence of UNIFIL has given them reassurance. I again urge the Minister to do everything in her power to have that mandate, in whatever way, extended so that there is not a vacuum left in south Lebanon.

Sentiment score: 0.16

Our responsibility is essentially twofold in that we have to continue to support the people of south Lebanon, who are at real risk, and we must make sure that each Irish peacekeeper returns home safely to his or her family. I will finish by thanking all those who served in UNIFIL and particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice in support of peace in that area. They have worn the Tricolour and blue helmet with distinction, courage and honour.

Sentiment score: 0.75