Tánaiste reviews Limerick-based troops ahead of Lebanon deployment
THE TÁNAISTE and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, travelled to Limerick this Thursday to review the 122nd Infantry Battalion, whose members will shortly deploy to Lebanon as part of the United Nations’ Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Addressing the 347-strong contingent at Sarsfield Barracks in the city the Tánaiste said: "Peacekeeping is the most important international action for good that any nation can participate in and you personify our nation’s commitment to that noble cause.
"You, the men and women of the 122nd Infantry Battalion, are leaving to write a new chapter in the history of the Defence Forces participation in Lebanon."
Noting that their deployment coincides with the return of the 121st Battalion, of which the late Private Seán Rooney was such a valuable member, the Tánaiste added: "As well as being a very honourable task, peacekeeping is, unfortunately, also a dangerous one."
In the barracks with family and friends before his deployment was Commandant Liam Halpin from Woodview Park in Limerick city, who while looking forward to the stint abroad said: "This will be the first rotation that I have travelled over with having a little girl, Jessie, so it is going to be quite difficult."
The Irish and Limerick peacekeepers are hoping to conduct their tour "in a safe manner, and support the communities there and the people of Lebanon," agreed Lieutenant Martin Cuddihy.
Speaking of the recent report of the Independent Review Group, the Tánaiste said he hopes to establish an External Oversight Body and a Statutory Inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces on interpersonal issues, including sexual misconduct.”
See the Limerick Leader print editions for further coverage and photos.