Vol. 508 No. 3
157 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the maximum capacity of the Defence Forces to send personnel abroad on peacekeeping duties; the number serving abroad on these missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19024/99]
The total number of personnel currently serving overseas is 839. This number is subject to fluctuation in line with changes in mission strengths, repatriations etc.
Requests for personnel of the Defence Forces to serve on overseas missions are considered on their merits in the prevailing circumstances within the context of the United Nations Stand-by Arrangements System – UNSAS. Among the factors taken into account when considering the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas are security considerations at home and the level of existing overseas commitments.
