News
Welcome to the News section!
Cork Troops to join Defence Forces Lebanon Return - Martin
Last updated on 06 Jan, 2011
Summary:
The decision to send 440 Irish peacekeepers back to Lebanon will renew a proud 25 year tradition of soldiers from Cork and across the country serving in the country, according to Fianna Fáil TD and Foreign Affairs Minister, Micheál Martin, TD.
“If approved by the Dáil in the New Year the deployment will mark a new chapter in the relationship formed between members of our Defence Forces from communities across Cork with families in Lebanon. It is expected that soldiers will be drawn from across the country for the deployment ”
“Last year during a visit to the Middle East I was honoured to meet the small Irish contingent that has been monitoring the uneasy peace in Lebanon – soon they will be joined by a much larger force. I know that our soldiers in Collins Barracks and across Cork stand ready to serve and continue a tradition which Ireland is justifiably very proud of.”
“Whether in the Congo, Middle East, Somalia or other hotspots across the globe the men and women of the Irish Defence Forces have brought honour on our country and served as ambassadors for us all.”
“It is important that as our Defence Forces prepare for their return to Lebanon, and the re-opening of the famous ‘Camp Shamrock’, that they are given every possible support in terms of training and equipment and these preparations are already underway.”
“The mission will be funded through savings made by the sudden ending of the recent mission to Chad and through the United Nations. I want to wish those training for deployment every success and look forward to hearing how they are making a real difference to the lives of people in Lebanon in the New Year”, concluded Minister Martin.