Defence Forces to be deployed to Syria

Members of the Defence Forces are to be deployed in Syria as part of a United Nations observer force.

The Government approved the move today, according to a statement by Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Alan Shatter.

The troops will be part of a United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the war-torn country.

Mr Shater will later this week seek approval from the Dáil for the mission, completing the "triple lock mechanism" of UN, Government and Dáil approval before deploying members of the Defence Forces overseas as part of an international UN force.

The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force was se up on May 31st, 1974 by a United Nations Security Council Resolution, following the agreed disengagement of the Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights in May 1974.

The escalation of the conflict in Syrian has affected the UNDOF area of operations significantly in recent months.

If approved by Dáil Éireann, the role of the Defence Forces contingent will be to provide reinforcement, escort and other operations in the UNDOF area of responsibility.

It would bring the strength of the mission up to the authorised level of 1,250.