Vol. 451 No. 4
9 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the number of servicemen seconded to overseas development and aid organisations during 1994; the proposals, if any, he has to expand the role of the Defence Forces in such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6588/95]
A total of 26 members of the Permanent Defence Force were seconded to Irish aid agencies in 1994 to assist in the Rwandan refugee crisis. Eight of these personnel are still on secondment; the remainder have returned home on completion of their tour of duty. A further 37 personnel were made available for the same purpose to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and these personnel have now returned home having completed their assignment. Any further requests from aid agencies for the services of members of the Defence Forces will be fully considered.
