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Tánaiste, Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, TD

Reviews Irish Troops heading for service with UNDOF

Custume Barracks, Athlone

Friday, 15th September 2023

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD, today (15th September) reviewed the members of the 68th Infantry Group who will leave in the coming weeks for what will be the final large-scale Irish troop rotation for service with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force

Speaking during the review, the Tánaiste said, “Any Ministerial Review of troops heading overseas is an important date in the military calendar, but this review has a particular, and somewhat poignant, significance, given that it is the final large-scale Irish troop rotation for service with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, at least for the moment”.

Soldiers from 28 counties around Ireland are represented among the 130 strong contingent deploying to UNDOF.  More than a quarter of the group are about to deploy on their first tour of duty overseas.

Addressing the 68th Infantry Group, the Tánaiste said, “For 65 years now, Ireland has accepted the obligations that arise from being part of the world community and tens of thousands of Irish women and men have worn the blue helmet with pride on UN peacekeeping operations”.

The Tánaiste went on to say “The challenges of peacekeeping demand that people like you – highly-trained, disciplined, and committed peacekeepers – continue to perform to the highest standards, notwithstanding often difficult circumstances.  On behalf of the Irish people, may I thank each and every one of you for the part you are playing in continuing the proud tradition of generations of Irish peacekeepers.

In his concluding remarks the Tánaiste congratulated the members of the 68th Infantry Group led by Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Clear on their achievements to date and wished them a safe and successful mission.