Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1992

Vol. 421 No. 8

Written Answers. - Troops Training Course.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

34 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence whether Irish troops recently participated with French troops on a special training course on board a former car ferry docked in Dublin, as claimed in a newspaper report (details supplied); if so, if he will outline the purpose of the exercises; if he will confirm whether, during the past 12 months, Irish troops have participated with troops of any other country on such training exercises either (a) within the State or (b) abroad; if so, if he will list such exercises; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Wilson)

The exercises referred to by the Deputy involved an exchange of information and techniques on maritime security matters between members of the Permanent Defence Forces and French Security Forces. In this regard I would point out that the French participants were not actually military personnel but were members of the anti-terrorist unit of the Gendarmerie Nationale.

In the past members of the Army Ranger Wing have trained with similar German and Dutch units. Such exercises are considered a very cost-effective method for members of the Permanent Defence Forces to gain valuable experience of the latest anti-terrorist techniques.