The Taoiseach has paid tribute to Irish peacekeepers during a visit to Camp Shamrock in southern Lebanon, describing their role as having “enormous value” in what he called a “volatile area."

On The Anton Savage Show, Seán Defoe turned to events in the Middle East, sharing Tom Douglas’ report from southern Lebanon.

The Taoiseach met members of the 127th Infantry Battalion and laid a wreath in memory of those who have lost their lives while serving in Lebanon, including Private Seán Rooney.

Forty-eight Irish peacekeepers have died on the mission since it began in 1978.

In his report, Douglas described how the Taoiseach was greeted by a Guard of Honour at Camp Shamrock, located around 100 kilometres south of Beirut.

The battalion, which deployed six weeks ago, includes approximately 360 Irish troops.

Speaking during the visit, the Taoiseach said the situation in southern Lebanon is currently calmer, but remains unpredictable.

“The mission, the area is stable. It’s a very, very volatile area and we’re ready at all times to adapt,” he said.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin inspecting Irish troops at Camp Shamrock in Lebanon, 4-19-24. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Despite discussion around a potential drawdown of UNIFIL, he noted that Ireland’s operational presence has increased.

“We’ve had over 700 operational patrols in the month of November,” he said, while acknowledging ongoing challenges following recent UN decisions.

Addressing the future of the mission, the Taoiseach told troops that UNIFIL was always intended to be temporary.

“The mission was always originally intended to be an interim force,” he said.

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

Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said the Lebanese Armed Forces are stepping up patrols and increasing their presence, describing the development as “positive”.

The Taoiseach concluded his visit by meeting troops in the camp canteen and reflecting on the importance of preserving Ireland’s peacekeeping legacy.

“The story and the history should be archived more than bricks and mortar,” he said.