Former Army RaTnger, Kildare TD Cathal Berry has said that Irish troops serving with Unifil in Lebanon were providing “vital, accurate and verifiable” information, so it was important that they stay in the region.
Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Today with Claire Byrne show, Dr Berry said that the focus of the Unifil troops was on stopping the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah from escalating.
"The situation there at the moment was very tense and volatile, but Irish troops had been serving with Unifil for more than three decades. They knew the ground well and had the right skill set, the right equipment and were very experienced", he said.
They were “up to the challenge” of stopping the “tit-for-tat” situation from getting worse.
“They are needed there.”
Dr Berry pointed out that the 350 Irish personnel were part of a 10,000 force from 40 different countries. It was “vital” that they stay as they were “the cornerstone” of Unifil in the region.
Willie O’Dea, the former Minister for Defence, added that the Government had a duty of care to the Irish troops and that the situation was obviously very tense with the danger of escalation.
Dr Berry said that the Unifil troops were exactly where they needed to be. It was in Ireland’s interests to have troops there. It was a peacekeeping mission. The Irish were regarded as “honest brokers” by both sides.
Mr O’Dea added that the civilians in the region had great regard for Irish troops.
