Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 4

Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

51 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish troops serving in Kosovo; if any of them are stationed near the border with Macedonia; and if all necessary steps are being taken to ensure their safety and security. [8934/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The current strength of Defence Forces personnel serving with the international security presence in Kosovo, KFOR, is 108. They are deployed as follows:

KFOR Headquarters(based in Pristina, Kosovo)	4
No. 4 Transport Company(based in Lipljan, Kosovo, 15 km south of Pristina)	100
National Support Element(based at Skopje Airport, Macedonia. Skopje is 30 km east of Tetovo and 15 km south of the Kosovo border)	4

Three Defence Forces personnel serving with the United Nations mission in Kosovo, UNMIK, are stationed in Skopje, Macedonia. The national support elements of a number of other KFOR contingents are also located at Skopje Airport. No Irish personnel are stationed near the Macedonia-Kosovo border. The safety and security of Irish personnel is kept under continuous review by the commanders on the ground and Defence Forces headquarters in the light of developments in the mission area.