Jim Higgins
Question:35 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the number of members of the Garda Síochána serving overseas; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Garda Síochána Overseas Service.
Sixty-two members of the Garda Síochana are serving on international peace-keeping missions abroad at present. These include 60 members serving with United Nations missions in Cambodia and the former Yugoslavia and two members serving with the European Community Observer Mission in South Africa. Garda contingents have also served with UN peace-keeping missions in Namibia and Angola.
The service of members of the Garda Síochána on such overseas missions have two significant merits. First, it is a positive indication of Ireland's commitment to the principle of resolving international disputes by peaceful means. Second, it provides unique opportunities for individual members of the Garda Síochána to gain valuable work experience at conflict resolution. Garda management and members at every level are proud of the force's international exposure and I am sure this sentiment is widely shared by Members on all sides in this House.