The Defence Forces receive ongoing training to enable them to participate fully in UN, EU and other missions overseas. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training, designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated on an ongoing basis in the light of any changes in the threat assessment or mission requirements.
The Defence Forces are also involved in interoperability training and technical developments in co-ordination with similar UN and EU partners. For example the Defence Forces took part in Exercise Illuminated Summer in Autumn 2008, as part of the main interoperability exercise, during Ireland's membership of the Nordic Battlegroup 2008. I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel serving overseas receive, and will continue to receive, the necessary training to enable them to carry out their duties in a professional manner.