Tánaiste to reaffirm ‘unwavering commitment’ to UN Lebanon mission

By Rebecca Black, PA in Lebanon

The Tánaiste is to reaffirm “unwavering commitment” to the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Lebanon and the nation’s security and stability.

Simon Harris is visiting Lebanon this week against a backdrop of heightened tensions with Israel.

He is to hold talks with the Lebanese foreign affairs and defence ministers in Beirut, and visit Irish peacekeeping soldiers serving as part of the Unifil mission.

Just arrived in Lebanon. Looking forward to a packed day of meetings, but above all, I’m here to meet the incredible men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann serving with integrity and distinction. I want to see firsthand the challenges they face on the ground. pic.twitter.com/GGfm0aXEnN

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) March 25, 2025

The Tánaiste said Private Seán Rooney, an Irish soldier killed in Lebanon, will be a “key feature” of his political talks.

The 24-year-old from Co Donegal, was killed while on deployment with Unifil on December 14th, 2022.

Mr Harris is expected to impress the Government’s “deep disappointment and dissatisfaction at the slow progress of the legal proceedings”, and highlight how the lack of progress is “particularly distressing” for the Rooney family.

Later on Wednesday, the Tánaiste will visit Camp Shamrock in south Lebanon where members of the 125th Infantry Battalion are serving as part of the Unifil peacekeeping mission.

He is expected to tell the peacekeepers how the Irish public feel a “great sense of pride” in the work they do.

He will also announce a doubling of funding to €80,000 for Civil-Military Co-operation (CIMIC) projects.

These include community and health facilities, workshops and education classes for children.