No decision yet on when Irish troops can leave Lebanon

The Department of Defence has yet to confirm when Irish troops serving in Lebanon will be allowed to return home.

Some 240 Irish peacekeeping troops currently serving in the Lebanon - including troops from the Midlands - were due to end their rotation shortly. 

However, the Secretary General of the United Nations has directed that rotations, repatriations and deployments of uniformed personnel be suspended until June 30. This decision was made in order to mitigate the transmission of Covid-19 and to protect vulnerable communities. 

The Defence Forces said it was analysing guidelines issued by UN HQ, in order to understand what impact they may have on their overseas rotations.

In response to queries, the Defence Forces said it is "continuing to look at the options available under the exemptions outlined in the Secretary General's letter". 

"We understand the concerns of our personnel and their families and wish to assure them that once a definitive decision has been made we will inform them," said a Defence Forces spokesperson.

Members and their families were advised to monitor the Defence Forces' social media channels and the 'Members Area' on http://Military.ie for the most accurate and up to date information.

Meanwhile, Longford/Westmeath TD Robert Troy has asked the Department of Defence to clarify the exact status of rotations for personnel currently serving abroad. 

Deputy Troy said the Irish peacekeeping troops currently serving in the Lebanon have received information that the UN will not allow any new rotations until the end of June.

"This information has not been issued officially and serving members are anxious to have clarification on the matter," he said. 

In reply to Deputy Troy, the Department of Defence referred to the "unprecedented nature" of the Covid-19 crisis, and said the moratorium on upcoming rotations and leave "is designed to ensure the continued operations of essential peacekeeping missions, to protect vulnerable populations in conflict zones and to maintain international peace and security".

"It is also designed to ensure the health and wellbeing of personnel deployed on UN operations by limiting movement of personnel into mission areas," said a Department of Defence statement.

"This is a decision which effects all contingents from all countries in all missions. The main impact for the Defence Forces will be on the deployments to MINUSMA in Mali where personnel are due to rotate later this month and for UNIFIL in Lebanon where personnel are due to rotate in two rotations in May (12th and the 19th). 

"The UN Secretary General has advised that limited exceptions may be considered in extremis and where they are required for the continuation of the delivery on the mission mandate, and on the basis of strict conditions being applied to prevent the spread of the virus. Decisions on any exception will be taken by the UN Headquarters in New York on a proposal from the Force Commander," the statement continued.  

"Ireland will continue to meet its commitments to UN and other multilateral peacekeeping operations in support of international peace and security through this challenging period to the greatest extent possible. Protecting the health and welfare of our personnel remains a priority consideration throughout. 

"All currently deployed Defence Forces personnel whose overseas service is extended as a result of this UN decision will continue to receive their overseas peace support allowance for the extended duration of their deployment amounting to between €2,500 and €3,400 per month in addition to their normal pay. These allowances will continue to be paid free of tax. 

"Personnel and families will be advised and updated by the Defence Forces as further information becomes available and as the implications of these decisions are fully evaluated to ensure that we can provide personnel and families with as much information as possible."