Vol. 548 No. 3
30 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence his plans to provide members of the Defence Forces to participate in an international peacekeeping force in Afghanistan; the discussions which have taken place in this regard at either European Union or United Nations level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4293/02]
The question of Defence Forces' participation in overseas missions is kept under regular review. Requests from the UN for Irish participation in new missions are considered on a case by case basis within the context of the United Nations stand-by arrangement system – UNSAS. As I indicated to the House in October 1998, Ireland signed a memorandum of under standing with the United Nations in relation to UNSAS. Ireland has committed up to 850 military personnel for UN service at any one time under this system. However, there would be no obligation to participate in any particular mission and Dáil approval would be required for the despatch of a contingent to a specific operation.
The decision to participate in UNSAS is a tangible expression of Ireland's continuing commitment to involvement in peacekeeping operations. There exists a standing interdepartmental committee on peacekeeping under the chairmanship of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Its function, inter alia, is to provide a forum for the exchange of views on policy issues relating to Ireland's participation in international peacekeeping with a view to increasing the effectiveness and coherence of policy and to ensure the implementation of it can keep apace in a co-ordinated way with developments in international peacekeeping.
On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386, under chapter VII of the UN Charter, authorising the deployment of an international security assistance force – ISAF – in Afghanistan for six months. Its objective is to assist in the maintenance of security in Kabul and the surrounding areas, so that the Afghan Interim Authority and United Nations personnel can operate in a secure environment. Acting under chapter VII of the UN Charter means that the ISAF – whose lead nation is the United Kingdom – is authorised to take all necessary measures to fulfil its mandate.
Discussions at the UN Security Council continue to focus on Afghanistan, especially on the issues of security and the possible extension of ISAF outside Kabul. On 6 February 2002, a full day of meetings on Afghanistan took place, including briefings by both the Secretary General and special representative, Ambassador Brahimi. It is not possible at this stage to say exactly how the UN's role in Afghanistan will develop. The question of the possible deployment of Defence Forces personnel to a UN peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan does not arise at this stage.
Additional information.There has been no significant EU discussion of participation in the international security assistance force. It is understood that all other EU member states intend to contribute to the mission. Should Ireland decide to participate in ISAF, Government and Dáil approval would be required and full account would be taken of the security situation in the area, the mandate of the mission and further factors such as the equipment and skills necessary for the mission.
Is the Minister aware that members of an interim government in Afghanistan have expressed the desire that a multinational peacekeeping force continue to play a role there? Does the Minister agree that in that context, and in the interests of stabilising that country, it would be desirable that the UN resolution in place for six months be extended? Does he acknowledge that there is a view within the international community that the troops provided under a UN mandate should be more diverse than those currently there? Does he agree that the State, through the Defence Forces, could play a beneficial role in Afghanistan in helping ensure democracy becomes a reality and stability becomes the norm?
I agree with Deputy Shatter. Our contribution under UN mandates in many different places has helped us develop considerable experience in peacekeeping, crisis management and humanitarian tasks. I have not received a specific request from the UN. Should that happen, the matter would have to come before the Dáil and we would have to send a team to engage in reconnaissance and to check security conditions. Although I cannot speak for the Government or this House, if that request were forthcoming, I anticipate that we would be able to support and contribute to bringing a sense of normality to that part of the world where there has been so much trauma, tragedy and torment. Support is needed to build up the country and to support the NGOs in the task of distributing food and helping local communities. I have no argument with the points raised by Deputy Shatter and look forward to having the opportunity to assess our position in the proper way once the UN makes a request.
