David Stanton
Question:151 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the percentage of reservists from any contingent serving with the United Nations in the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9448/99]
Written Answers. - Lebanon Service.
David Stanton
Question:152 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence when members of RDFRA will be allowed to travel on fact finding missions in areas of UN operation in view of his commitment to include reservists in foreign missions. [9447/99]
I propose to take Question Nos. 151 and 152 together.
I am advised that of the nine countries contributing troops to the United Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, seven countries, including Ireland, provide full-time soldiers only in their contingents. Information regarding the proportion of reserve personnel relative to full-time personnel among those troop contributing countries who provide reserve personnel is not readily available.
I have agreed that during the rotation of the Irish contingent in UNIFIL later this month, two members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil, an officer and a non-commissioned officer, who are members of the consultative group to the special study on the Reserve Defence Forces, will visit UNIFIL.