430 members of the Irish Defence Forces are currently serving on Peace Support operations in 16 countries.

An organisation representing soldiers serving on the Golan Heights is demanding that a specialist team be sent out to help them cope with the stress of being under fire by Syrian insurgents.

Irish troops have withdrawn from a series of posts on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights in the last two days.

Defence Minister Simon Coveney has said that Irish troops deployed as part of the UN mission in the disputed Golan Heights will not be replaced unless the mission is reviewed.

Under cover of darkness, 40 Filipino peacekeepers escaped their besieged outpost in the Golan Heights after a seven-hour gunbattle with Syrian rebels, Philippine officials have said.

Syrian rebels holding dozens of Fijian UN peacekeepers hostage have attacked Filipino troops in the Golan Heights, Philippine officials said.

The Justice Minister will today review the troops of the 43rd infantry group today ahead of their deployment to Syria.

Up to 150 Irish troops will be deployed to the Middle East to protect a sensitive border crossing.