Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the occasion of his visit to Camp Shamrock, 20 December 2025

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Chief of Staff, Secretary General, Ladies and Gentlemen, and men and women of IRISHPOLBATT UNIFIL.

Firstly, I want to thank Lieutenant Colonel Mark Lennon, Officer Commanding 127th Infantry Battalion, and all the IRISHPOLBATT personnel here today, for the warm welcome afforded to my colleagues and I on this, my fourth visit, to the headquarters of the Irish Battalion.

It is an honour to stand before you today here in Camp Shamrock, to personally acknowledge the dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice that each of you demonstrates in the service of peace, and your country.

As Taoiseach, I want to express my deep appreciation for the work you are doing here in Lebanon, especially during this particularly challenging time and for your efforts in continuing Ireland's long and proud tradition of peacekeeping on the world stage.

I know many of you will, as a result, spend Christmas away from your families and loved ones.

Being on mission at this time is not easy, and yet you do so willingly, because you understand the importance of your peacekeeping efforts in this region.

The Irish Defence Forces have a long and proud tradition of serving in Lebanon. The UNIFIL mission began in 1978 but Ireland's relationship with Lebanon goes back further to 1958 when a team of 50 officers was deployed here as Ireland's first contribution to UN peacekeeping.

Over the past 68 years, the Defence Forces have built a strong and durable relationship with the people of Lebanon, which serves as a strong foundation for all who serve with this mission.

You are following in the proud traditions of the thousands of men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann who have gone before you.

Your participation in UNIFIL illustrates the very positive and practical difference that small countries like Ireland can make in the world's troubled spots.

Even operating under restricted conditions, you continue to play an important role in terms of monitoring and reporting. This alone has huge value, as you are the eyes and ears of the international community on the ground, calling out and drawing attention to activities contrary to international humanitarian law where they occur.

You, the 127th Infantry Battalion, represent the very best of Óglaigh na hÉireann. You have trained rigorously for this mission and, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Lennon, you have demonstrated the discipline and professionalism that define Irish peacekeepers.

For over 130 of you, this is your first overseas deployment. For others, this is one of many tours of duty.

Regardless of experience, each of you has played an essential role in maintaining the high standards for which Irish troops are known.

I particularly want to acknowledge those among you who have served multiple missions, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to peacekeeping over many years.

You are serving as role models for your colleagues, and this will ensure they can continue to learn and become better peacekeepers.

UNIFIL Mission ending

Following the renewal of the United Nations mandate in August, we now see the first outline of how this long and distinguished mission will draw to a close at the end of 2026.

While Ireland remains committed to UNIFIL and to supporting Lebanon, we recognise that the mission was always intended to be an interim force.

The end objective has always been to remove the need for the mission by enhancing security in Lebanon and the wider region.

And above all, to make a difference to the people of Lebanon.

This is a time of great turmoil in this region and in your area of operation.

While it seems that life in southern Lebanon is starting to return, what I have seen along the road from Beirut today are vast swathes of devastation and destruction.

These scenes are a reminder, not just of the recent conflict, but of the decades of violence and instability that Lebanon has endured.

As you can see already from your time here, things can change in an instant.

The attack which took place on your colleagues on patrol Thursday, 4 December, was a salutary reminder in this regard.

Targeting and strikes near UNIFIL peacekeepers are particularly concerning, and there are absolutely no excuses for this.

Both I and the Government have made it clear that any targeting of UNIFIL peacekeepers is a clear breach of international law.

I met the Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam this morning, and emphasised the important role of the Lebanese Government in respecting and protecting the role of peacekeepers, as UNIFIL works towards bringing peace and stability.

I also continued to highlight the need for accountability in regard to the person wanted in connection to the horrific killing of Private Seán Rooney.

I made it very clear to the Prime Minister the absolute determination of the Irish Government to continue to pursue justice for this terrible crime.

My visit today, along with your Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Jacqui McCrum, is an indication of our support for you from Defence Forces Management, the Department of Defence and the Government, and indeed the whole country.

We stand with you in solidarity and unity, at this time when your work here in UNIFIL has never been more pivotal in terms of contributing to overall security and stability in this region.

It provides a significant opportunity to engage meaningfully in negotiations for a durable peace between Israel and Lebanon, including the delineation of an internationally recognised border.

We continue to encourage both sides to uphold their commitments under this agreement and argue for those with influence in the region to use it positively to support this agreement.

Challenges of Peacekeeping

As Taoiseach, I am immensely proud of the long tradition of Irish peacekeeping and its important role in Ireland's foreign policy.

It is driven by the values and principles that have guided the actions of our state on the international stage ever since independence - a commitment to multilateralism and to the values of peace, international security, and global justice.

Peace is fragile. It cannot, and should not, be taken for granted.

Like so many other valuable things, it is hard won but easily lost.

Unfortunately, and increasingly, that fact is being undermined by growing conflict, instability, and disrespect for the international rules-based order.

The dark clouds of war are gathering in too many places.

Here in the Middle East, in Ukraine and in Sudan, to name just a few, too many societies are being torn apart; too many lives are being lost.

Those involved in ongoing efforts for peace are doing critically important work. It is work that we in Ireland and people all over the world hope and pray is successful.

And if successful, it is work that will ultimately be underpinned by the sort of peacekeeping work that you and all those before you have carried out here with such distinction, such commitment and such professionalism for so long.

The challenges of peacekeeping demand that people like you - highly trained, disciplined, and committed peacekeepers - continue to perform to the highest standards, notwithstanding often difficult circumstances.

The tradition of UN Peacekeeping, in which we have participated for just short of 70 years, is about saving lives and ensuring others can enjoy the gift of peace.

The work you are doing here in south Lebanon encapsulates all that is good and positive about that tradition.

Before concluding, I would like to talk about a group of people who are not here today, but I am sure they are very much in your thoughts - and they are - your families and friends.

Time spent away from our families and loved ones is always difficult.

I know that many of you have been away on peacekeeping operations before and your families have become familiar with that routine, but I also know that it doesn't necessarily become any easier.

Without their support, you couldn't do what you do.

Without their support, you couldn't serve the cause of peace.

Without their support, our country couldn't perform the role it has in the world.

As a country, we are immensely grateful to them for the sacrifices that they make every day that you are away.

So, in conclusion, let me wish you and your loved ones a Happy Christmas.

Know that the Government and the people of Ireland are very appreciative of your service and dedication to the cause of peace.

Nollaig shona agus gach dea-ghuí don bhliain nua do gach duine daoibh.

ENDS