Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 7

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Training.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

64 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the new training measures or techniques, if any, he proposes to initiate for the Irish Defence Forces with particular reference to peacekeeping operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13038/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

71 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence whether Irish Defence Forces have taken part in training or military instructions at European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13037/98]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 71 together.

It is the policy to ensure that Defence Forces personnel receive the most up to date training possible. As part of ongoing training programmes selected personnel from time to time undergo training courses and courses of instruction in a number of European countries. In the context of peacekeeping, Defence Forces personnel have attended schools in Austria, Finland, Sweden, Italy, Norway, Hungary and Russia both as students and instructors. Peacekeeping training syllabi are constantly reviewed and updated. I might mention that military officers of many European countries have down the years attended peacekeeping training courses in Ireland. In relation to current overseas missions, e.g. UNIFIL, personnel selected for these missions are initially trained at unit level, then at command level before personnel are concentrated as an overseas unit for some months before departure.