John Bruton
Ceist:178 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence if it is proposed to amend the Defence Acts to allow Ireland to involve itself in United Nations peace enforcement as well as United Nations peacekeeping.
Written Answers. - UN Peace Enforcement: Defence Forces' Involvement.
It is anticipated that an expanded United Nations operation — UNOSOM II — United Nations Observer Mission in Somalia — will shortly replace the Unified Task Force in Somalia — UNITAF. The new force will have a peace enforcement rather than a peacekeeping mandate. The United Nations has requested that Ireland make available to the mission a transport contingent of approximately 80 personnel, all ranks, and equipment. The matter will be considered by the Government in the near future. A decision to participate in the new mission would entail fresh legislation.