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Dail asked to approve Syrian troop deployment

The Dáil will today be asked to rubberstamp the deployment of Irish troops to Syria. 114 s...
Newstalk
Newstalk

11.31 18 Jul 2013


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Dail asked to approve Syrian t...

Dail asked to approve Syrian troop deployment

Newstalk
Newstalk

11.31 18 Jul 2013


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The Dáil will today be asked to rubberstamp the deployment of Irish troops to Syria. 114 soldiers are to be sent to the Golan Heights after Austria withdrew troops from the observer mission.

The Dáil motion today will complete the "triple-lock" of United Nations, Cabinet and Parliamentary approval.

Alan Shatter wants permission to allow personnel be sent to the Golan Heights region. Ireland has been asked to participate in the UN military force after Austria withdrew its own troops.

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It is unusual for a decision to deploy troops abroad to be taken quite so quickly.

But with the request for Irish involvement in Syria coming at the last minute and with the cabinet only having signed off on Tuesday today marks the last chance for the Dáil to approve the deployment before its summer recess.

Some 114 staff from a mechanised infantry unit will be sent to the Golan Heights region which has been a busy battleground in the civil war. The region is one in turmoil particularly because of its proximity to Israel which has also contested a claim over the land.

The staff will not be going in the usual role as peacekeepers but rather as military observers - a role which could see them having to intervene if the conflict between Bashar al-Assad and the rebels requires it.

Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said yesterday he is in talks with UN to ensure maximum safety for Irish troops.


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