Vol. 487 No. 7
32 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the situation of Irish troops serving abroad; the means in place to ensure their safety; and the equipment which has been supplied to them in the event of hostilities breaking out between Iraq and the United States of America. [4792/98]
54 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Defence the additional protective equipment which has been given to Irish troops serving with UNIFIL in the light of the threat of conflict in the Gulf region; the other measures, if any, which are being taken to ensure the safety of the Irish troops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4917/98]
64 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Defence the evacuation plans, if any, which exist for Irish personnel serving with UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. [4849/98]
115 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Defence the evacuation plans, if any, which exist for Irish personnel serving with UNFICYP in Cyprus. [4848/98]
136 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Defence if all Irish Defence Force personnel serving overseas in the Middle East have been issued with nuclear biological and chemical protective clothing. [4857/98]
177 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the situation of Irish troops serving abroad; the means in place to ensure their safety; and the equipment which has been supplied to them in the event of hostilities breaking out between Iraq and the United States of America. [5212/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 54, 64, 115, 136 and 177 together.
Nuclear, biological and chemical protective clothing has been issued to all Defence Forces personnel serving with UN missions in the Middle East and Cyprus. Ancillary equipment is also being made available to these personnel. There are no proposals to evacuate personnel from the above missions at present but evacuation plans have been drawn up by the UN as a contingency measure. The operational situation in relation to all Defence Forces personnel in the area continues to be closely monitored.
