asked the Minister for Defence the number of our peacekeeping force in Afghanistan; the duration of their period of duty; if the number will be increased in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Peacekeeping Force in Afghanistan.
14.
(Limerick West): There are at present five officers of the Permanent Defence Forces serving with the United Nations Good Offices Mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan (UNGOMAP). Of these three are stationed in Pakistan and two in Afghanistan. The officers were assigned to UNGOMAP for a period of about one year from early May 1988. It is not anticipated that there will be any increase in the number of Irish personnel serving with UNGOMAP.
The Minister said two officers are serving in Afghanistan and three in Pakistan. Would he indicate the nature of the duty of the officers in Afghanistan? Does he envisage any change in the definition of those duties due to seige conditions in Kabul, for example?
(Limerick West): The conditions are laid down by the UN. The role is a supervisory one and I do not immediately envisage any change. Nevertheless, the question of the safety of those personnel is kept under constant consideration by the Government. The UN also have taken measures to ensure the safety of the personnel.
I am grateful for the Minister's reply, but have there been any communications to the Minister's Department from the UN regarding a change in the functions and duties of the personnel in Afghanistan?
(Limerick West): No, there has been no communication.