Finian McGrath
Question:1267 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if Ireland can send troops on humanitarian missions without the consent of Dáil Éireann. [34582/04]
View answerWednesday, 26 January 2005
Questions (1205)
Written answers
I am glad to say that the Defence Forces have always responded to humanitarian crises by offering their skills and services to those in need. Defence Forces regulations provide that volunteer members of the Permanent Defence Force can be seconded by the Minister for Defence, with their agreement and with the consent of the Minister for Finance, for periods of up to one year. In the case of the current disaster in south-east Asia, volunteer Defence Forces personnel have been seconded to the United Nations Joint Logistics Centre (UNJLC) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Defence Forces personnel have provided assistance in the past on a similar basis in response to crises in Honduras, Rwanda and Mozambique.
Question No. 1268 answered with QuestionNo. 94.