Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
602 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that Irish soldiers serving abroad under the United Nations are given the maximum support with regard to their safety; and if further missions are planned in 2005. [29183/04]
View answerThe safety of Irish personnel serving overseas is always of paramount concern to me. While no absolute guarantees can be given with regard to the safety of troops serving in missions, it is my policy and practice to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately trained and equipped to carry out their mission.
Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. In the case of Liberia, for example, a wide range of equipment and force protection assets has been deployed with the contingent. This equipment includes Mowag APCs, armoured vehicles and support weapons, heavy machine guns and a mortar platoon.
Due to the equipment modernisation programmes that have taken place in the Defence Forces over the past few years, UNMIL is the best equipped battalion ever to serve overseas. Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and we continually review both personal equipment and force assets to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated in the light of increased threat.
I am satisfied that that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.
Ireland receives requests from time to time to participate in various missions and these are considered on a case by case basis. Ireland is currently contributing approximately 745 Defence Forces personnel to 21 different missions throughout the world. Subject to final approval by the UN Security Council of an appropriate resolution and the approval of Dáil Éireann, the Government has decided to deploy a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service with EUFOR, the planned EU led mission/operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Once this planned deployment is completed, the total number of Defence Forces personnel then serving overseas will be 776, which is within Ireland's maximum sustainable commitment of 850 personnel under the United Nations stand-by arrangements system, UNSAS.
Looking to 2005, no other deployments are planned or envisaged at this time.
