Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 7

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Appointments.

Michael Bell

Question:

140 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has to assign members of the Defence Forces to overseas diplomatic missions; and the number of military attaches accredited to Ireland currently who have visited defence forces units or formations since 1994. [3910/97]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

Members of the Defence Forces are serving in the following appointments:

Military Adviser to the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York	1 Colonel
Military Adviser to the Irish Delegation to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Vienna	1 Colonel
Military Delegate to Ireland's Observer Delegation to the Western European Union, Brussels	1 Lieutenant Colonel

There are no proposals to assign further members of the Defence Forces to such missions.

In 1995 16 foreign defence attaches accredited to Ireland visited the Defence Forces. In 1996 the number was 15 and in 1997 to date the number was five.