Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2021
78. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that foreign-born members of the Defence Forces are having in serving particularly in serving overseas; the steps he is taking to address these difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59641/21]
View answerAn applicant to the Defence Forces must either be a citizen of the State or be any other person who has a lawful entitlement to reside and work within the State for the period of time required for the purpose of any such appointment.
I am aware of recent commentary on the matter of citizenship for non-irish serving members of the Defence Forces.
I believe it is critically important that the Defence Forces reflects the modern demographics of today’s Irish society. To that end, the Defence Forces is committed to supporting a diverse workforce through its various policies and strategies. While I fully welcome and support these policies to promote diversity, issues of citizenship are outside my remit and are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice.
As of 1st November 2021, Ireland is contributing 566 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National representations. A total of 36 of these personnel were not born in Ireland.
In preparing for overseas deployments, 'Host Nation' national requirements and cultural sensitivities must be considered, and this extends to official documentation.
I am informed by the Military Authorities that in a limited number of cases, issues have arisen whereby 'Host Nation' requirements do not allow for the deployment of Defence Forces personnel who do not hold an Irish Passport. Opportunities for overseas service, however, are available in alternative missions for those personnel who are affected by this.
