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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jun 1999

Vol. 507 No. 3

Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

40 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence if he has any adviser on military affairs who has seen service on the field of battle and has the capacity to evaluate the likely performance of Irish troops in a peacekeeping or a peace enforcement role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16790/99]

I am advised on military matters by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces who reports directly to me on such matters.

The Defence Forces have a long tradition of service with United Nations peacekeeping missions spanning a period of over 40 years. During that time Irish troops have served in some 34 missions. These have included,inter alia, missions in the Congo, Cyprus, Somalia, Lebanon and the Former Yugoslavia. These missions have operated under both UN peacekeeping and peace enforcement mandates. In addition, Irish personnel have served with the Organisation for Security and Co-Operation – OSCE – and with the European Community Monitor Mission – ECMM – in the Former Yugoslavia.
The wealth of experience gained by Irish Defence Force personnel down the years as a result of service overseas has been an invaluable source of advice and guidance to me since I became Minister for Defence.
The performance of Irish troops on overseas missions is evaluated on an on going basis.
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