Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 4

Written Answers. - Military Assistance.

John Gormley

Question:

12 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he has offered, or is considering offering, military assistance to the current military action against Afghanistan; and if such military assistance has been sought by the United States, the United Kingdom or NATO. [24464/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

As was stated by An Taoiseach in the immediate aftermath of the recent terrorist attacks against America, the prospect of Irish military involvement in the response made to those attacks does not arise. I can confirm that no offer of military assistance by Ireland has been made, or is under consideration, in relation to the military activities which are currently under way against the Taliban authorities. Also, I am informed that no requests for such assistance have been received from any quarter, including those mentioned by the Deputy.

I would recall that deployment abroad of contingents of Irish military personnel occurs only by way of Government decision, subject to a UN mandate being in place and approval by Dáil Éireann, as required by relevant Irish legislation. Under Article 28.3.1 of the Constitution, war shall not be declared and Ireland shall not participate in any war save with the assent of Dáil Éireann.