This footage was filmed and produced 31 October 2023.

The safety and security of Irish troops involved in a UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon is of paramount concern to the government, the country’s deputy premier has said.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin, who is also minister for defence, was speaking to troops of the 123rd Infantry Battalion of the Irish Defence Forces ahead of their upcoming deployment to Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL).

Mr Martin said the risk of the Israel/Hamas conflict escalating to the wider Middle East was “deeply concerning” and must also be the focus of “urgent international efforts”.

The troops of the 123rd battalion will be in Lebanon for six months. They are taking over from colleagues in the 122nd Infantry Battalion of the Irish Defence Forces.

Irish troops are involved in several UN missions in the Middle East.

As well as the long-standing peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, Irish soldiers are also involved as peacekeepers in the UNDOF mission in Syria, and as UN observers in the UNSTO mission, that covers Lebanon, Syria and Israel.

Speaking at a military review ceremony in Kilkenny Castle, Mr Martin told the soldiers’ families that he appreciated that the situation in the Middle East was of “grave concern” to them.