Vol. 494 No. 3
23 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel who are currently volunteers for service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter [17893/98]
125 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel who are currently volunteers for service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17895/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 125 together.
The strength required for the next Irish contingent to serve with UNIFIL is 620 personnel of which 68 are officer appointments. Most of the officer appointments have been filled for the next contingent, the first element of which is due to depart for Lebanon later this month. The selection of volunteers from other ranks personnel of which there are currently 521, will be completed by the military authorities by 5 October 1998, the day of activation of the contingent. The military authorities are satisfied that the full complement of contingent numbers will be met.
