I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 104 and 109 together.
Ireland's approach to participation in Partnership for Peace, PfP, was set out in the presentation document of 1 December 1999, which was approved by this House. The presentation document included the five priority areas of cooperation on international peacekeeping; humanitarian operations; search and rescue; co-operation in the protection of the environment and co-operation in marine matters.
Ireland's objectives for participation in PfP include: to promote the development of a just and peaceful international society based on the rule of law, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; to foster democratic control of armed forces internationally; to contribute to development of best practice in the areas of international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations; to enhance the capabilities of military officers, civil servants and diplomats engaged in the shaping and executing of security and defence policies; to enhance the capabilities, including the area of interoperability, of Ireland's Defence Forces for peacekeeping, preventative and crisis management operations under UN mandates; to enhance the capabilities of Ireland's Defence Forces, Civil Defence and other relevant organisations to contribute to the areas of civil emergency planning; to share information and expertise particularly in the area of international peacekeeping, arms control, civil emergency planning, humanitarian operations, search and rescue, scientific and environmental issues.