Austin Deasy
Question:64 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence if the Irish involvement in peacekeeping in Cyprus is being scaled down or terminated; if so, the reasons for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13292/99]
Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.
Arising from a restructuring of UNFICYP – United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus – undertaken by the United Nations in November 1998, a reduction of 16 in the number of Defence Forces personnel serving with the mission was decided by the UN. This involves a reduction from 30 personnel to 14 personnel. The strength of Defence Forces personnel serving with the mission will be reduced accordingly with effect from October 1999.
The question of a further reduction in the number of Irish personnel serving with this mission is under consideration in the context of a rebalancing of the Defence Forces overseas commitments.