BREAKING: Troops given return date from Lebanon

Defence Forces personnel who have had their rotation in Lebanon extended have been given an official return date.

The troops will now fly home in two 'chalks', the first on June 21 and the second on June 29.

The troops, currently on a UNIFIL mission in Lebanon, include many from the midlands.

They had been due to fly home on May 12 and May 19, but had their tour of duty extended after the United Nations Secretary General, on April 5, directed the suspension of all rotations and leave for military personnel serving in UN missions.

Since then, the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been liaising with the UN Chief of Staff on the issue.

Last week the Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, said the UN had agreed to a partial exemption of the suspension for Ireland.

The confirmation of the return dates now brings some certainty to the situation and means that local families now know when their loved ones will be back home.

The Defence Forces has said confirmation of the rotation follows extensive engagement by the General Staff to secure an exemption from the UN, and for our troops to rotate home as close to the original dates as possible. 

 

Upon their arrival, personnel will be required to spend 14 days in self-isolation in accordance with HSE guidelines on COVID19.

 

The 116th Battalion will deploy to UNIFIL to take over control of the Irish Area of Responsibility. Before departure, they will have to complete a 14 day quarantine period in Coolmoney Camp and Gormanston Camp. This is in compliance with the UN Secretary General's Directive, issued on 04th April 2020.