I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 36 together. The Government has recently been requested by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to make a contingent of 80 military personnel available for service with the second United Nations Operation in Somalia, UNOSOM II.
The Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 1960, permits the despatch of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service outside the State as part of an international United Nations force. The Act defines such a force as an international force or body established for the performance of duties of a police character.
The mandate of UNOSOM II is not confined to duties of a police character. Consequently a prerequisite of participation by an Irish contingent in this force is the amendment of the 1960 Act. The necessary legislation will be introduced shortly. UNOSOM II will be authorised to carry out certain military tasks such as prevention of the resumption of violence between the various formerly warring factions, continued United Nations control of heavy weapons, seizure of unauthorised small arms and securing of ports and airports. The Irish contingent will consist of a transport unit whose main duty will be to provide supplies to military components of the force.