Munster Fan; jaded... All opinions are my own. RTs are not an endorsement.
- Tweets1.9K
- Following293
- Followers91
- Likes70
ALT Since 2020, the Irish Defence Forces have participated in EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, a UN-mandated EU Naval Operation, which operates in accordance with relevant UNSC Resolutions (UNSCR), in particular UNSCR 2292 (2016). Regrettably, this mandate expired on 24 May 2026. It is important to note that for the Defence Forces to participate in any international force, it is necessary to have a UN mandate underpinning that force. EUNAVFOR MED IRINI is such an international force and the participation of the Defence Forces, regardless of the number of personnel deployed to the mission, requires a UN mandate.
ALT The EU Council Decision authorising the Mission had as its primary mandate UNSCR 2292. A subsequent Government Decision, another legal requirement under Defence legislation, provided Government authorisation for Defence Forces personnel to participate in the Operation. As the UNSCR 2292 mandate has now lapsed, the Government Decision has been effectively voided. As such, there is, unfortunately, no legal basis for the Defence Forces’ continued participation in the mission. A number of references have been made to the numbers deployed to Operation IRINI being fewer than twelve. That figure is relevant only in the context of triggering the need for the approval of Dáil Eireann for the deployment of Defence Force personnel and is not applicable in this case.
ALT A crescent Earth setting behind the Moon\u2019s horizon. Credit: NASA
ALT Earth setting behind the Moon as seen by the Artemis II crew. Over half the left side of the image is filled by the gray lunar surface, pocked with craters. Credit: NASA
ALT A close view of the Moon. Jagged circles of craters dot the gray surface, fading to dark on the left side of the image. Credit: NASA
ALT A crescent Earth setting behind a hemisphere of the Moon. Credit: NASA
