Vol. 495 No. 4
107 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether joint military exercises, including those which took place recently involving Irish and French troops in County Wicklow, have implications for the Irish policy of military neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20084/98]
French troops from the 92nd Regiment of France were in Ireland from 22-29 August to celebrate the bicentenary commemoration of the landing of the French force in Killala, County Mayo in 1798. On 27 August 1998, 32 French troops participated in a joint peacekeeping exercise with the Defence Forces in the area of the Glen of Imaal, County Wicklow. The exercise was organised by the United Nations Training School of Ireland (UNTSI) based in the Military College, Curragh Camp, County Kildare.
Military personnel of many European countries have attended peacekeeping training courses and participated in peacekeeping exercises organised by UNTSI. Such activities have no implications for the Irish policy of military neutrality.
