Vol. 480 No. 7
81 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence the short-term proposals to equip our Defence Forces adequately for an expanded role in international peacekeeping, including upgrading of accommodation and operational capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15136/97]
Requests for participation by the Defence Forces in international peacekeeping missions will be considered on their merits by the Government on a case by case basis. Where a decision is taken to respond to any such request the military unit concerned will be provided with the equipment necessary for the carrying out of its mission.
In recent years considerable sums have been expended under the Defence Vote for new weapons, transport and communications equipment and in providing new and up-graded living and operational accommodation for the Defence Forces.
In the context of the implementation of the new organisation for the Defence Forces and completion of the associated programme for voluntary early retirement, it is intended to channel an increased level of expenditure towards infrastructural and equipment improvements.
