I welcome the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, to the meeting, the purpose of which is to consider a motion on the despatch of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force to Sierra Leone for service with the United Nations mission in Liberia, UNMIL. A copy of the Department's briefing note has been supplied to members. I invite the Minister to make a brief presentation.
Overseas Missions: Motion.
I thank the Chairman and members for agreeing to take this motion at short notice. I appreciate the fact that the committee understands the importance of the mission and has agreed to fit the motion into its busy schedule. I thank the Chairman for his assistance in this regard.
As I do not wish to take up too much of the committee's time, I propose to introduce the motion and provide some brief information on the reason the Government decided to respond positively to the request of the United Nations for Ireland's support in expanding the area of operations of UNMIL to include Sierra Leone and, in particular, the special court for Sierra Leone in Freetown. On 6 December the Government authorised me, as Minister for Defence, to move a resolution in Dáil Éireann permitting members of the Permanent Defence Force serving with UNMIL to deploy in pursuit of UNMIL's additional roles as set out in Security Council Resolutions 1626 of 19 September 2005 and 1638 of 11 November 2005. Pursuant to this authority, the following motion has been placed on the Order Paper for Dáil Éireann:
That Dáil Éireann approves the despatch, pursuant to section 2 of the Defence (Amendment)(No.2) Act 1960, as applied by the Defence (Amendment) Act 1993, of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the United Nations mission in Liberia, UNMIL, established on 19 September 2003 under UN Security Council Resolution 1509 of 2003 in carrying out its additional roles in relation to:
(i) the provision of security for the special court for Sierra Leone and the evacuation, if and when needed, of UNMIL military personnel and officials of the court in the event of a serious security crisis affecting those personnel and the court as set out in Security Council Resolution 1626 of 19 September 2005, and
(ii) the apprehension and detention of former President Charles Taylor in the event of a return to Liberia and his transfer or the facilitation of his transfer to Sierra Leone for prosecution before the special court for Sierra Leone and the keeping of the Liberian Government, the Sierra Leone Government and the Council fully informed as set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1638 of 11 November 2005.
In commending the motion to the select committee, I wish to briefly outline the participation of the Defence Forces in UNMIL to date and the background to the request of the United Nations for Ireland's support in expanding UNMIL's area of operations. UNMIL was established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1509 of 19 September 2003 to support implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement signed by the Liberian parties on 18 August 2003; to protect UN staff, facilities and civilians; to support humanitarian and human rights activities; and to assist in national security reform, including national police training and the formation of a new restructured military force.
UNMIL was designed to support the establishment of peace in Liberia which had been ravaged by civil unrest and a brutal civil war involving child soldiers, horrific acts of barbarity and complete disregard for human rights. The effect of the ongoing conflict over decades had completely destroyed the Liberian economy, ranking it at the bottom of the world development index. The situation in Liberia was also responsible for fomenting general unrest across the region as a whole. The prospect of achieving lasting peace and development in Liberia, an imperative to bringing peace to the wider region, was a key consideration in Ireland agreeing to deploy a major contingent of the Defence Forces in Liberia in what was seen as a difficult and potentially dangerous operation.
UNMIL is a Chapter VII peace enforcement operation, which means that the force is authorised to take all necessary measures to fulfil its mandate. Ireland has participated in UNMIL since December 2003 following a Government decision of 24 June that year and subsequent approval by Dáil Éireann of the necessary enabling motion. Since then the United Nations Security Council has authorised the continuation of UNMIL for successive periods and the Government has approved continued Irish participation.
Ireland, together with an infantry company group from Sweden, provides the quick reaction force, QRF, for the UNMIL commander. The Irish contingent currently comprises 427 personnel. The QRF initially acted in a pathfinder role, going into the countryside, stabilising the situation, establishing contacts with local leaders and preparing the ground for the follow-on deployment of larger UN forces. Once this was completed, the QRF became the rapid response element within UNMIL responding to any crises within the area of operations and supporting deployed contingents through long range patrols into the countryside. While it has been a difficult mission, particularly in terms of the operating environment, it is working very well for the Defence Forces.
On 19 September 2005 the United Nations Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, unanimously adopted Resolution 1626 extending the mandate of UNMIL until 31 March 2006. The resolution further authorised UNMIL to deploy personnel to Sierra Leone to provide a continuing security detail for the special court for Sierra Leone in Freetown; to deploy an adequate number of military personnel to Sierra Leone, if and when needed, to evacuate the security detail, as well as officials of the special court for Sierra Leone, in the event of a serious security crisis. On 11 November the United Nations Security Council further extended UNMIL's mandate to include the apprehension, detention and transfer to the special court for Sierra Leone of the former Liberian President, Mr. Charles Taylor, in the event of his return to Liberia.
The special court is an independent tribunal established jointly by the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone in 2002 to bring to justice those who bear greatest responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Sierra Leone after 30 November 1996, at the height of that country's 1991-2002 civil war. The court is presided over by six trial judges, including one Irish judge, and five appeal judges. Ireland has been a strong supporter of the court since its inception and provided it with over €1 million in voluntary contributions. Some 13 persons associated with all three of the warring factions in Sierra Leone have been indicted by the court, nine of whom are in the court's custody in Freetown. Two are deceased and a further indictee, whose current whereabouts are unknown, is also believed to be deceased. The final indictee, the former President of Liberia, Mr. Charles Taylor, has been in exile in Nigeria since he relinquished the presidency in August 2003.
The Nigerian authorities have expressed a willingness to hand over Mr. Taylor to the directly elected Government of Liberia which is due to take office in January 2006 but have resisted pressure to surrender to surrender him to the special court. On 30 November 2005 President Obasanjo of Nigeria and Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President-elect of Liberia, discussed the question of Mr. Taylor's future but no decision was made. Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf told reporters after the meeting that in time a solution would be found that would serve peace in both Liberia and west Africa.
On 22 September 2005 the UN secretariat informed the Irish mission to the United Nations that UNMIL would assume responsibility for the security of the special court for Sierra Leone from 1 December and requested Ireland's support in expanding the area of operations of UNMIL to include Sierra Leone and, in particular, the special court for Sierra Leone in Freetown. A joint Irish-Swedish reconnaissance team visited UNMIL and Sierra Leone from 9 to 13 November. The purpose of the visit was to assess the situation on the ground with a view to making a recommendation on supporting the proposed operation. The key issues for consideration by the team were threat analysis, command and control and logistic support.
The military authorities have advised that an evacuation of the special court, were it required, would be a complex and difficult operation, given its location and the diverse make-up and nationalities of the forces involved. Security at the court is provided by a private security firm. In addition, both police and military personnel of Sierra Leone are part of the overall security network, while UNMIL has provided a guard company, currently comprising 150 Nigerian military personnel until mid-January 2006 when they will be replaced by a military guard of 250 Mongolian personnel. The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces is of the opinion that the envisaged operation in Sierra Leone, should it come to pass, is within the competence of the Defence Forces to perform from within the resources currently deployed in the quick reaction force. Subject to Dáil approval, deployment to perform UNMIL's additional roles will take place as soon as possible.
For the first time in over a decade, Sierra Leone is in a state of positive transition. It has made major progress in the restoration of peace since the end of the civil war in 2002. Presidential and parliamentary elections are planned for 2007. The Government of Sierra Leone, with the support of the UN mission in Sierra Leone, UNAMSIL, is gradually assuming full responsibility for the maintenance of security, through the build-up of the national armed forces and the police force. This process is due to be completed by 20 December 2005 when the residual elements of the UNAMSIL mission will be withdrawn.
While the military authorities have advised that the security situation in Freetown is relatively calm, this could change when verdicts in the case of some detainees are handed down in the new year. The possible extradition of the former Liberian President, Mr. Charles Taylor, from Nigeria where he is currently in exile would serve to heighten tensions in the area and could also have an adverse impact on the security situation.
Dáil Éireann approved the despatch of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force to UNMIL on 12 November 2003, as required under the Defence Acts. The Attorney General has advised that if members of the Permanent Defence Force are to be involved in the new extended role of UNMIL in Sierra Leone, such involvement should be covered by a further resolution of Dáil Éireann, pursuant to section 2 of the Defence (Amendment)(No. 2) Act 1960.
The military authorities have advised that no additional cost to the Defence Vote will be incurred in the event that quick reaction force personnel are deployed to Sierra Leone. It is estimated that the additional costs to the Vote arising from participation in UNMIL in 2006 will amount to some €12.7 million in 2006. As UNMIL is a UN-established and UN-led operation, it is estimated UN reimbursement of costs to the Exchequer will amount to some €10.8 million in 2006, leaving a net additional cost to the Exchequer of some €1.9 million.
The Secretary General of the United Nations has indicated that there will be a review of the UNMIL mission in March 2006 and, depending on the political and security situation in Liberia at the time, a downsizing schedule for the UNMIL mission will be agreed. From the outset, the Government has signalled its intention that Defence Forces involvement in UNMIL will not exceed two to three years in duration and the United Nations has been advised accordingly. The Defence Forces, together with their Swedish partners, will, therefore, conclude their service with UNMIL by the end of 2006 and the United Nations has been advised accordingly.
The Government is of the view that the deployment of the United Nations mission in Liberia is critically important in providing continuing support for the comprehensive peace agreement, the political and economic recovery of Liberia and stability in the region as a whole. UNMIL is playing an extremely positive role in ensuring a secure environment for the holding of elections and in the run-up to the installation of the new government in January. A positive response to the request of the United Nations will be consistent with Ireland's commitment to United Nations peacekeeping, particularly in Africa. I commend the motion to the committee.
I thank the Minister.
On behalf of the Fine Gael Party, I support the motion. I also reiterate the Minister's comments to the effect that the UNMIL operation is physically extremely difficult for troops. I have spoken to some of those who have served in Sierra Leone where they lost several stone in weight. Therefore, it is an extremely difficult mission, physically. Rather than commenting further on the issue, I will ask the Minister some questions. He noted the reconnaissance mission's conclusion that the evacuation of the special court, if required, would be an extremely complex and difficult operation. Is he satisfied that, if necessary, we will have the resources to evacuate officials of the court? As this has the potential to be an extremely difficult mission, I wish to ensure all steps that may prove necessary, including planning, will be taken.
On the future of UNMIL, the Minister has stated the position will be reappraised in March 2006. May I take it that if an extension of the mission is recommended, Ireland will not participate any further? I understand the reason for this position is that we have decided to participate in a particular mission for a number of years, before moving on to participate in another mission elsewhere to avoid being caught in long-term missions. In view of our commitment to have X number of troops overseas, are there any other missions on the horizon to which personnel may be sent?
On the reimbursement issue, what is the current position on payments from the United Nations? It is all right if the Minister does not have the information to hand. However, I noted he mentioned that the net cost to the Exchequer would be in the region of €1.9 million. How far behind are we on payments?
In principle, we strongly support the motion. It will be a difficult mission.
I welcome the Minister. I strongly support the proposal as it is extremely important that we support our soldiers serving with the United Nations in their valuable work. It is also important to use the occasion to commend and thank them for their brave efforts on peacekeeping duties in other hazardous places. When it comes to attempting to make the world a safer place, we do not sit on the fence and our troops are extremely proactive.
I have a couple of questions. The Minister has mentioned that it appears Mr. Charles Taylor is in Nigeria. What is the up-to-date position in this respect? Moreover, it seems there are concerns regarding the independence of the special court. How independent is it and why does the Nigerian Government have concerns about its independence? While it has expressed a willingness to hand over Mr. Taylor to the directly elected Government of Liberia which is due to take office in January 2006, it has resisted pressure to surrender him to the special court. Why does it have reservations in this regard?
The Minister stated that if Mr. Taylor was extradited to Liberia, it would heighten tensions in the region which could have an adverse impact on the security situation. I want the Minister to expand on this point. How would Mr. Taylor's extradition heighten tensions?
I welcome the Government's decision to send Irish troops on this mission. I also commend our troops for their efforts in the excellent, valuable and dangerous work in which they are involved.
I wish to be associated with the warm welcome extended to the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea. The committee is always happy to see him and I wish him well in his work. With other members, I also wish to be associated with the commendation of the Defence Forces for their work during the years. Lately, there has been much talk about the Irish troops who have died while serving with the United Nations since the 1960s. It is important that the work of our troops is placed in context. They are not going on holidays but to do meaningful, important work.
In recent debates I have made the point a number of times that, as far as Ireland's image abroad is concerned, we are now seen as world leaders. Other members will share the view that when one travels abroad, one gets a clear view from politicians in other nations of the important role played by Ireland in terms of the manner in which we take a leading role in UN duties. I am delighted to welcome this report and commend the Minister. I wish the Irish troops who will take part in this mission, which is likely to be fraught with danger, every success.
It is important that Ireland responds to participate in a mission such as this because during the years UN missions have played a significant role in various countries. I perceive this mission as playing a role which will help African nations. While I am glad we will do so, as Deputy McGrath noted, there are security considerations in many African countries, including Liberia. It is important that we play our role and are seen to respond to the needs of such countries.
I wish the Minister well and I am happy to support the motion.
I, too, welcome the Minister and his officials. I also welcome his proposal.
I wish to ask some brief questions. Have we ever had troops in Sierra Leone before, or is this the first time? I note that the troops in question are being deployed from Liberia to Sierra Leone. How many will be involved? Will there be a need to deploy troops directly from Ireland to Sierra Leone or will it be a temporary measure?
I wish to be associated with the tributes paid to our troops. While they are involved in security and peace missions, they also become involved in humanitarian work, for which they are to be commended.
I thank all the members for their contributions. Deputy Timmins raised the issue of a potential rescue operation for the special court in Sierra Leone. As the Deputy rightly said, it is a difficult matter because of the physical location of the court. It is also difficult from the point of view that a number of nationalities make up the staff of the court. I understand the terrain is also difficult. UNMIL has its own provisional plan which will be put into operation if and when the need arises. What I am seeking today is approval from the Oireachtas for Irish troops to be part of that operation. I am confident there is a comprehensive plan in place.
Deputy Timmins also asked what would happen in March 2006 if the review concluded that the current United Nations numbers in the region would need to be maintained. We have more or less indicated we will finish on 31 December 2006. As I said in my introductory remarks, we are in partnership with a Swedish contingent. The Swedes are of the same mind. We have agreed mutually that we will leave the area on 31 December 2006, unless something very exceptional happens. On the question of whether there is another mission on the horizon, there is none in mind but, unfortunately, there will be no shortage of applicants.
The position on reimbursement is that the amount to be paid to Ireland on 30 November 2005 by the United Nations was €5.3 million, most of which is owed in respect of UNMIL. Since 1 January this year the United Nations has repaid approximately €15 million as follows: UNMIL — €11.45 million; UNIFIL — €3.43 million; UNMEE — €100,000, and UNICEF — €7,000. It currently owes approximately €5.3 million.
I am sure the Army will welcome Deputy McGrath's generous remarks about our troops. Mr. Taylor is currently in Nigeria. The Nigerian authorities — I am not entirely clear on the reason — have a difficulty about handing him over directly to the special court. However, they have said they will hand him over to the democratically elected Government of Liberia which takes office in January. They have done so in the full knowledge that the Government of Liberia will hand him over immediately to the special court. I do not know why they prefer to use that system rather than transferring him directly to the court.
Deputy McGrath asked also why Mr. Taylor's extradition might raise tensions in the area. The reason is that Mr. Taylor has received a lot of support in the area. Someone explained to me when I visited the area during the year that people were elected in accordance with a tribal system. One's tribe votes for one. Therefore, it all depends on how big one's tribe is. It appears Mr. Taylor has still quite a large following.
Has he received a lot of political support?
He has. It is not necessarily because people think he is a great guy, but because he comes from a big tribe.
On the independence of the special court, an Irish person is one of the judges. We are satisfied that the court is totally independent. I do not know what is the motivation of the Nigerian Government. Perhaps it prefers to deal on a government to government basis, but it has indicated it is prepared to extradite Mr. Taylor to Liberia when the new government which has just been elected takes office early in January. The new government has made it abundantly clear that its first action will be to hand over Mr. Taylor to the special court.
I thank Deputy O'Connor for his kind remarks. On Deputy Hoctor's question, it will be the first time we will have sent troops to Sierra Leone. They will not be deployed directly from Ireland. The UNMIL force in Liberia comprises 427 Irish troops. We are asking if they can be involved in an operation to evacuate the special court or apprehend Mr. Taylor if they come across him. I do not know how many Irish troops will be involved. It will depend on circumstances at the time.
Is it possible that no Irish troops will serve in Sierra Leone?
That is possible.
That concludes our discussion. I thank the Minister and his officials for coming. Is it agreed there will be no further debate on the matter in Dáil Éireann? Agreed. Is the draft report agreed, subject to the insertion of details regarding attendance and contributors to the discussion? Agreed. The joint committee will meet tomorrow morning to discuss a motion on asylum with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.