Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 1

Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.

John Gormley

Question:

104 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government is considering sending Irish troops to the Middle East in support of future UN peacekeeping if a ceasefire is achieved in the present Arab-Israeli dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11558/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The Government has long held the view that an impartial third party monitoring mechanism could play a valuable role in the current conflict in the Middle East. There now appears to be some possibility that a mission of this kind may be established in the near future. I very much welcome this.

The Government has signalled willingness to participate in an international monitoring mission in the Middle East to the United Nations secretariat and to the other major international actors. As it is not clear what form an inter national mission might take, it is not possible to be more precise as to the nature of any potential Irish contribution.