The Defence Forces involvement in United Nations peacekeeping operations began in 1958 when a group of 50 officers took up duty as observers with UNOGIL in Lebanon. Since then, Ireland has participated continuously in United Nations peacekeeping operations, a service which has comprised more than 60,000 individual tours of duty and involved 55 missions. This is a unique record and one of which the Defence Forces and the Irish people are justifiably very proud.

In my role as Minister for Justice I would also like to recognise the significant contribution of Gardaí to international civilian missions. The participation of Gardaí in international civilian peace missions has developed significantly over the past few decades.”

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