I move:
That, pursuant to section 2 of the Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 1960 (No. 44 of 1960) Dáil Éireann approves of the despatch of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service outside the State as part of the United Nations Force in Cyprus which pursuant to a Resolution on Cyprus adopted by the Security Council of the United Nations on the 4th day of March, 1964, reaffirmed by subsequent Resolutions of the Security Council, has been established by that Council for the performance of duties of a police character.
The purpose of this resolution is to enable the Government to give a positive response to an approach made to us by the United Nations Secretariat regarding the provision of an Irish contingent for service with the United Nations Force in Cyprus.
As Deputies are aware, Irish contingents served with the UN Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) from 1964 until October, 1973 when the contingent then serving was transferred to the Middle East at the request of the Secretary General and with the approval of the Dáil. The contingent serving in the Middle East was subsequently withdrawn in May, 1974, owing to the requirements of the domestic security situation. A small number of men have continued to serve with UNFICYP since October, 1973.
The Dáil originally approved the despatch of a contingent for service with UNFICYP on 7th April, 1964. Under the terms of the Defence (Amendment) No. 2, Act 1960, further Dáil authority was not required for the replacement and rotation of these troops in succeeding years. However, as the number of Irish troops serving with UNFICYP has fallen below 12 since 1973, doubt has arisen as to whether the Dáil resolution of 1964 provides authority for the despatch of a full contingent at this stage. The Government have therefore thought it desirable to table this resolution before the Dáil today.
As Deputies will we aware, UNFICYP was created in 1964 by the United Nations Security Council in order to help maintain peace between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, following the breakdown of the constitutional arrangements made at the time Cyprus achieved independence in 1960. Since the Turkish invasion in 1974, following a coup by Greek Cypriot elements favouring union with Greece, and the occupation by Turkey of over one-third of the island, the functions of UNFICYP have been modified in some areas and expanded in others. They now include supervision of the cease-fire line between the Cypriot National Guard and the Turkish force, provision of security for members of either community working between the cease-fire lines, humanitarian aid to Greek Cypriots in the part of the island controlled by Turkey, and assistance to other UN agencies and humanitarian organisations.
I think it is hardly necessary to go into detail about the political situation in Cyprus; the political difficulties remain unresolved. Talks have recently been held by representatives of the two communities under the aegis of the Secretary General of the United Nations, but no agreement has yet been reached on future political arrangements for the island. In these circumstances the Secretary General, on 7th June last, expressed the view that "in existing circumstances the continued presence of UNFICYP remains essential. The Force is an indespensable factor in keeping the potentially explosive situation in the island under control, supervising the cease-fire, maintaining the status quo in the area between the lines and helping to defuse incidents and other problems arising between the parties. In helping to maintain quiet in the island the Force also facilitates the continued search for a peaceful settlement”.
In the circumstances the Government have decided that they should respond favourably to the UN approach. I am sure that all Deputies will agree with me in the view that service with the United Nations has been of benefit to the Defence Forces and has contributed substantially to the essential peacekeeping functions of the United Nations. The Government are satisfied that a contingent can be made available without prejudice to the ability of the Defence Forces to carry out their other tasks, given the increase in their strength in recent years.
Should the Dáil approve the present motion, the Government would intend to make available to the United Nations a contingent of some 300 men for service in Cyprus. The practical arrangements would of course be a matter for discussion with the United Nations. On present indications an advance party of 60-80 would be required in late July or early August with the balance of the contingent in October next.
Recruitment for service with the United Nations forces is, of course, on a voluntary basis. I am quite sure that, as in the past, there will be no shortage of volunteers for such service, and that any contingent will as in the past do credit to the Army and the nation. The continued desire of the United Nations to have Irish participation is a tribute to the excellence and effectiveness of past Irish contingents.
I should like to acknowledge that the decision that I am now proposing to the House was, I understand, taken by the former Administration and the Minister. The fact that it was perhaps the first formal decision taken by the incoming Government is merely confirmation of the fact that we intend to follow what would have been the response of the previous Administration in this matter. I am sure the Leader of the Opposition will respond on this basis and that the House will adopt the resolution.
