I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 36 and 88 together.
Ireland's participation in UN missions generally originates with a formal request to the Irish Government by the United Nations Secretary General, following adoption of a Resolution by the UN Security Council, to deploy a multinational force to a particular region.
The factors which inform the Government's consideration of each such request include the following:
1. An assessment of whether a peacekeeping operation is the most appropriate response to the situation;
2. consideration of how the proposed mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy;
3. the degree of risk involved for UN personnel and in this regard the safety of Irish Defence Forces personnel is always of paramount concern to the Minister for Defence and to the Government;
4. the extent to which the particular skills or characteristics required relate to Irish capabilities;
5. the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate which has the potential to contribute to a political solution;
6. whether the operation is adequately resourced;