Helen Keogh
Question:11 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Defence whether he envisages a role for the Defence Forces in the UN mission in Somalia.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Participation in UN Mission.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:17 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of proposed participation by Irish troops in the UN mission proposed for Somalia.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 17 together. No decision has been taken in regard to Irish participation in the United Nations mission which will replace the Unified Task Force to Somalia. The matter will be considered by the Government in the near future.
In November 1992 the Government agreed to provide a transport contingent of approximately 60 personnel together with equipment for service with the United Nations Observer Mission in Somalia. This decision was not implemented due to the deployment of the Unified Task Force in Somalia.
Would the Minister be prepared to offer a battalion of, say, 600 men to the UN when the American forces decide to pull out?
No, I would not be prepared to do that but I would be prepared to have a look at the new distinction drawn by the recent United States resolution requesting troops from those countries who are engaging in a peacekeeping role as distinct from a peace making or enforcement role. There is a distinction to be drawn there. I would be strongly in favour of sending the 60 to 70 personnel of the transport unit to Somalia, as already proposed. It may well be necessary for me, arising from whatever advice I may get from the Attorney General, to introduce amending legislation to the Defence Act, 1960, which does not define precisely the word "policing" but deals with it in a non-definitional fashion. It may be necessary to introduce legislation to give effect to the UN Resolution setting up UNOSOM II. If that is required I will do so because I am determined to make the recommendation to the Government that a unit should go from this country reflecting the will of the Irish people, arising from their generosity to the people of Somalia since the plight of that country was brought to public attention last year. The sending of a unit to Somalia would reflect the general goodwill of the Irish people towards the tragic people of Somalia.
In view of the fact that the Minister has again shown goodwill, has he any indication from other countries that they agree with the approach he is recommending to the Irish Government? Have the United Nations ascertained which countries are interested in following the line he has outlined?
I understand most countries have no difficulty with peace enforcement roles. There may be some countries that do have such difficulties. During the past few weeks I have been studying the magazine Jane's Weekly Review which deals with the military aspect. It contains a very interesting essay on the change in emphasis from peace keeping to peace enforcement or peace making. I shall get a copy for the Deputy's information so that he can examine it. I understand there are a number of countries who have the same difficulties and that they will be addressing them in a similar fashion. I will be making recommendations to that effect.
We should now proceed to questions to the Minister for the Marine.
In accordance with Standing Order 36 (iii) we should now proceed to deal with questions to the Minister for the Marine. Is that understood? There is an obligation on the Chair to try to ensure that the time is shared equally where there are two portfolios involved, as in this case — Defence and the Marine. I now come to deal with Question No. 32.
It would be more appropriate if a separate day were set aside for questions to the Minister for the Marine.
I am merely administering——
As the procedure is structured the Minister for the Marine will not be asked any questions at all.
That is a legitimate question for, say, the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
We will take it up there.
The Deputy's party is represented on that body.
I agree with Deputy Molloy. It is not fair on the Department, who have been preparing the replies during the past few days.
Do not mind the Department; it is not fair on the Deputies.
I do not mind, I am delighted to be here to answer questions.
We want to put the Minister on the rack.
I know that. It would not be the first time.
Question No. 32, please.