Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Feb 1999

Vol. 501 No. 2

Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.

Ivor Callely

Question:

104 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the role of the Defence Forces in peacekeeping and the likely future role; the individual who will decide and direct the role; the full extent of their role and their allies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4953/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The Government conducted a review of the roles of the Defence Forces in 1993 to take account of the changed international environment. "To participate in United Nations missions in the cause of international peace" is among the assigned roles. Defence Force legislation provides for such involvement. Participation in UN peacekeeping missions has, as the Deputy will be aware, been a major feature of Defence Forces activities for the past forty years.

Decisions in relation to participation by the Defence Forces in overseas missions are taken by the Government and Dáil Éireann, as appropriate, in accordance with the legislation and taking account of certain established criteria. The arrangements that apply with regard to any particular mission in relation to rules of engagement and command and control are those prescribed by the United Nations and as set out in Security Council resolutions.

In keeping with Ireland's voluntary and long-standing peacekeeping tradition, the Government is willing to make a continuing contribution to peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In addition, I might say that future involvement by the Defence Forces in Petersberg Tasks under the auspices of the Amsterdam Treaty or arising from participation by Ireland in Partnership for Peace (PfP) should this occur at any time in the future, would most likely be in the areas of peacekeeping and humanitarian tasks on a voluntary and case by case basis.