The Defence Minister is reassuring the families of the 130 Irish troops serving as peacekeepers in Syria that the troops are not in any immediate danger, despite coming under heavy fire from Syrian rebels yesterday.

Yesterday, Irish troops - who are part of the UN Disengagement Observer Force - were involved in a successful mission to rescue Filipino UN troops who were trapped under heavy fire at their posts in the Golan Heights.

43 Fijian UN peacekeepers were kidnapped by rebels last week, and negotiations are continuing for their release.

Minister Simon Coveney is calling on the United Nations to carry out a review of its mission in Syria as the situation remains tense in the Golan Heights.

Minister Coveney says the safety of the members of the Irish Defence Forces is his top priority - and he needs assurances from the UN that they will review the overall mission:

Members of the 44th Infantry Group are currently stationed in Golan Heights, with members of the 46th set to take over next month.