Cian O'Callaghan
Question:426. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces Army Ranger Wing currently deployed in Mali; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4400/21]
View answerWednesday, 27 January 2021
Questions (426)
Written answers
Government and Dáil approval was received in June 2019 for the deployment of a contingent of up to 14 Defence Forces personnel, drawn primarily from the Army Ranger Wing, to participate in MINUSMA, the United Nations authorised operation in Mali.
MINUSMA was established on 25 April 2013 by UN Security Council Resolution 2100 to stabilise the country after the Tuareg rebellion (2012). The role of the mission is to ensure security, stabilisation and protection of civilians; supporting national political dialogue and reconciliation; and assisting the reestablishment of State authority, the rebuilding of the security sector, and the promotion and protection of human rights in Mali.
Currently, there are 2 officers deployed in MINUSMA Force Headquarters in Bamako and an additional 12 personnel, including members of the Army Ranger Wing, deployed with the German Armed Forces at Camp Castor in GAO, Mali. All deployed personnel are currently embedded with the larger German company and are carrying out assigned tasks in accordance with the mission mandate.
In addition to the UN mission, there are 20 members of the Permanent Defence Force currently serving with the EU training mission in Mali, (EUTM Mali). The Defence Forces first deployed to this mission in 2014, and their continued participation is kept under regular review.
The Department of Defence reviews the deployment of Defence Forces Personnel overseas on an ongoing basis. Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.