Billy Timmins
Ceist:112 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his recent visit to UN headquarters, New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22975/98]
Written Answers. - Official Engagements.
Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:172 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his recent trip to the United Nations; if he has received a report in relation to duty free illegalities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23162/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 172 together.
During my visit to United Nations headquarters in New York between 14 and 17 October 1998 I signed, on behalf of the Government, a memorandum of understanding which commits Ireland to the United Nations standby arrangements system, UNSAS, the purpose of which is to give the United Nations a precise understanding of the forces and other capabilities that Ireland would have available at a given state of readiness for a UN peacekeeping operation. Under the arrangements, Ireland has committed a maximum of 850 military personnel for UN service at any one time.
I also had a number of meetings with top officials of the United Nations at which the future role and shape of UN peacekeeping operations were discussed. The matter of alleged abuses of duty free privileges by members of the Permanent Defence Forces serving with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, UNFICYP, was also discussed. I have since received a full official report on the matter from the United Nations. The matter is being examined in my Department in consultation with the military authorities and any necessary action will be pursued in accordance with Irish law.
I was delighted that Mr. Kofi Annan, Secretary General, United Nations accepted an invitation to make an official visit to Ireland later in the year. The Secretary General's acceptance of the Government's invitations to visit Ireland is a testament to the high esteem in which the Defence Forces are held in the United Nations.