Vol. 476 No. 4
30 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Defence the number of volunteers who have currently made themselves available for service with the next battalion for Lebanon; the number of the current battalion who have volunteered to remain for the next battalion; the current shortfall of numbers to fill the next battalion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7159/97]
The current position in regard to volunteers for the next UNIFIL battalion is as follows:
To date 425 personnel have volunteered to serve with the next battalion. A total of 77 personnel of the present battalion have volunteered to remain with the next battalion. This leaves a shortfall of 35 personnel. This shortfall is currently being addressed by the military authorities and I am satisfied that there will be a full complement of personnel for the forthcoming troop rotation.
