Irish troops ‘won’t face chemical war’

Defence Minister Alan Shatter has ruled out the possibility of Irish peacekeepers being targeted in a chemical attack during their mission to the Golan Heights.

As 115 troops prepare for deployment to the Syrian border despite the civil war and threat of a missile strike from the US, Mr Shatter said he was confident they would safely complete their tour.

He said a potential chemical attack on the troops was not something he has contemplated, but insisted their safety was a primary concern.