asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens serving in United Nations' truce supervisory operations; and the countries in which they are serving.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - UN Truce Supervisory Operations.
20.
There are at present 22 Irish Army officers attached to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
There are also 24 Irish citizens included in the civilian staff employed by the United Nations Secretariat to provide back-up services in the UNTSO area.
Do the Irish citizens the Minister has now referred to enjoy the franchise in Irish elections? When I asked the Minister for Defence this question he seemed to think I was talking about the UN peace keeping force although I specifically asked about Irish citizens.
This is a separate question. There is nothing about the franchise in this question.
Is the Minister aware whether or not these people he has referred to can vote in Irish elections?
No such matter was raised with the UN.
Would the Minister check with his colleague, the Minister for Defence, to ensure that they can vote in Irish elections?
That is a separate question and Deputy O'Kennedy must know it.
Certainly.
I am asking this in view of the confusion caused by the Minister for Defence.