Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Defence, Jack Chambers TD says that the Government must outline whether Irish military personnel will have to defer planned rotations on UN missions until the end of June as a result of Covid-19
Deputy Chambers said: “The UN Secretary General recently announced plans to defer all rotations and leave for military personnel serving in UN missions until 30 June. For our Defence Forces the main effect will be on the mission in Mali and the UNIFIL deployment in Lebanon where rotations were due to take place in coming weeks.”
“Yet the troops have still not been officially informed of what is happening and whether any exceptions or exemptions can be made. It is clear that communication, clarity and engagement is required from the authorities. The Mali rotation was due to take place this month and certainty is required.”
“I appreciate that it was always likely that Covid-19 would impact these missions but it is essential the troops keeping peace overseas are informed as soon as possible,” concluded Deputy Chambers.
