asked the Minister for Defence the selection procedures applied to members of the Army volunteering for service abroad with the United Nations; if he has satisfied himself that present procedures are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Selection Procedures.
23.
Non-commissioned personnel who wish to serve overseas with a United Nations Force must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for selection for such service:
Each person must— volunteer for overseas service; be at least 18 years of age; have the necessary military qualifications; have a conduct rating of at least "good"; have at least one year's service on the date of departure; not have been rated unsuitable on a previous overseas tour of duty; be free from serious domestic and personal problems; be medically examined and be found fit.
In the selection process particular reliance is placed on the judgement of the commanding officer of the parent unit. I am satisfied with the procedures. A total of about 25,000 Irish troops have served with the United Nations.
In view of the recent serious case which arose in the Defence Forces, does the Minister consider that some alterations should be made in the field of psychological testing for members of the Defence Forces?
I cannot comment on the recent case as it is sub judice, but in regard to the general point raised by the Deputy, I do not think that psychological testing of whatever form he has in mind will be proof positive to achieve the objectives which I presume he has in mind. The procedures for picking personnel for overseas service are thorough and the selection process is thorough, and great reliance must be placed on individual judgments. As I have indicated in my reply, a total of 25,000 troops have served with distinction with the UN.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
Is the Minister aware that there is widespread public concern that a person of known Nazi and anti-semitic views would have been sent——
I must warn Deputy Mac Giolla that he must be very careful not to identify any subject that is sub judice.
A person with Deputy Mac Giolla's history and recent metamorphosis has a confounded cheek to make that suggestion about our Defence Forces.
Will the Minister do anything to ensure that such a case will not occur in the future?
(Clare): Is it not a fact that our UNIFIL troops are regarded as the best trained and best disciplined battalion in the UNIFIL operation at the moment?
Far be it from me to make such a claim, but I would not disagree with the Deputy. I am aware from my contacts with our friends from other nations that the quality of the Irish troops is held in high regard and their performance over the years in many UN missions has proved this.
Does the Minister intend to make any alteration to ensure that such a problem could not arise again?
Deputy Mac Giolla is persisting in referring to a case which can be easily identified.
I am referring to a problem of which I am sure the Minister is aware.
The Deputy is referring to something as happening again when it is still sub judice and may be held not to have happened.
The Deputy's concern for the wellbeing of the Defence Forces is commendable.
24.
asked the Minister for Defence the selection procedures applied to applicants for the Army with a view to establishing psychological suitability for membership; if he has satisfied himself that present procedures are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Applicants for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force undergo an interview and a full and detailed medical examination prior to enlistment. References and character assessments are also obtained from reputable and reliable sources in respect of each applicant.
Following enlistment recruits undergo a period of 12 weeks intensive training in the course of which their progress and reactions under pressure are constantly monitored. Recruits who display undesirable characteristics are discharged in accordance with Defence Force Regulations. After recruit training, personnel are subjected to regular assessment by superior officers.
There is a psychologist in the Permanent Defence Force whose duties include advising the military authorities on selection and assessment of personnel.
I am satisfied with the procedures.