Gay Mitchell
Ceist:30 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence his views on Ireland's involvement in international peacekeeping. [15177/97]
Written Answers. - International Peacekeeping Operations.
Ireland has a long tradition of supporting United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations and has been involved in international peacekeeping since 1958. Irish military personnel have built up a considerable reputation as peacekeepers having contributed to a total of over 30 UN missions. As a small country we can be proud of our record in terms of peacekeeping. The Defence Forces also contribute to peacekeeping operations under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE and the EU. Sadly, however, our involvement has not been without its costs as there have been 75 fatalities involving members of the Defence Forces while on peacekeeping duties.
Ireland was among 81 countries which supplied troops for UN missions in 1996 and of these countries Ireland was 17th highest in terms of the number of troops contributed. A total of 727 military personnel is currently serving with ten UN missions. It can be said with pride that Ireland continues to build a long tradition of service to the founding principles of the UN by making practical commitments of personnel on a continuing basis — proportionately, far beyond its size.
As well as the extensive involvement of Irish military personnel in UN peacekeeping operations, a number of senior military officers have, down the years served with distinction in senior appointments in UN missions. Currently Major General David Stapleton is serving as Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Syria, UNDOF. These appointments bring prestige and honour not only to the Defence Forces but to the country as a whole.
It must be said that the Defence Forces derive considerable benefits from participation in international peacekeeping missions. In so far as experience and training are concerned the professional advantages gained in such missions are very substantial.
Down the years the making available of contingents for overseas service has been possible by drawing small numbers of personnel from units throughout the commands. The level of overseas participation is, however, kept under continual review in order to ensure that security needs at home can be met at all times and that the cost to the Defence Vote does not become excessive. In this latter regard it must be borne in mind that certain peacekeeping missions are now conducted on the basis of contributing countries bearing their own mission costs.
The concept of stand-by forces for UN peacekeeping missions has been in the course of development since 1990. This system is intended to enhance the United Nations' capacity for rapid response to emergency situations. I am happy to say that it has been decided that the Defence Forces will participate in this system, known as the United Nations Stand-by Arrangements System, UNSAS. Participation in UNSAS would not entail the commitment of additional personnel for UN service over and above the numbers which obtained during Ireland's participation in UN service in Somalia, i.e. 850 military personnel. There would be no obligation to participate in any particular mission and, as at present, Dáil approval would be required for the dispatch of a contingent to a specific operation. Our decision to participate in UNSAS is a tangible expression of Ireland's continuing commitment to involvement in peacekeeping operations.
As the House will be aware, Ireland is currently contributing to SFOR, the NATO-led stabilisation force in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This mission operates under a United Nations Security Council mandate. Last month I had the privilege of visiting Irish personnel serving in that region. I felt immensely proud that Ireland is contributing to the very worthy efforts of the various missions which are endeavouring to ensure peace and stability in that area. A significant factor is that our involvement in this mission reflects the importance of staying in the mainstream of peacekeeping at a time when the UN is increasingly turning to regional solutions in troubled areas.
Defence Forces participation in peacekeeping missions involves major operational taskings and a heavy financial commitment. It is my policy to ensure that the Defence Forces are adequately trained, equipped and resourced to continue in this very important role of peacekeeping under the auspices of the UN, the OSCE and the EU.
Overall, international participation by the Defence Forces in peacekeeping missions has had considerable benefits and has been a positive element in our relations with other countries.