It is 50 years since the Irish Defence Forces joined UNOGIL, the UN Observer Group in Lebanon on their first ever UN Mission. 50 unarmed Irish officers served for six months, as part of a larger force of 600.
Since then, Irish personnel have served in 74 UN missions, involving over 58,000 individual tours of duty.
For the Defence Forces to participate in overseas peace support operations the Irish Government have clear conditions laid down. The operation must be authorised by the United Nations, it must be approved by the Government and, if more than 12 personnel are to take part, it must be approved by way of a resolution of Dáil Éireann. This is known as the 'triple lock'.
Ireland's participation in UN missions has done much to enhance the reputation and prestige of the country, and of our Defence Forces, in the wider world. It is a commitment of which we can be justifiably proud, a commitment that continues around the globe today. In early 2008, 50 Irish Rangers were deployed to Chad as part of the EUFOR Chad/CAR mission, one of 18 UN-mandated missions with Irish personnel currently in operation.
To commemorate this anniversary, a parade is planned in McKee Barracks, Dublin.
An Post is proud to issue a 55c stamp on 26 June to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first members of the Irish Defence Forces to serve on a UN Mission. The stamp was designed by Paul Raftery, and features a photograph pf Lt. Col. Justin McCarthy, Comdt. Malachy Higgins, Capt. Patrick Lavelle, Comdt. Gerald Coughlan and Capt. Rory Henderson.
Technical Details
Date of Issue : 26 June, 2008
Design : Paul Raftery
Stamp Size : 40.64mm x 29.79mm
Colour : Multicolour with phosphor tagging
Make-up : Sheetlets of 16
Perforations : 15 x 14
Printing Process : Lithography
Printer : Irish Security Stamp Printing Ltd.
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