It is unclear whether Irish troops will be involved in rescue efforts to free UN workers kidnapped in Syria.

Irish troops deployed with the UN peacekeeping force in the Golan Heights, Syria (UNDOF) have been involved in a number of missions to rescue UN colleagues under fire from rebel forces, a Defence Forces spokesperson has confirmed.

RANK-AND-FILE members of the Defence Forces will go to the courts over the promotion system used by local commanders, a conference heard yesterday.