Seán Power
Ceist:27 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence when members of the Defence Forces will take up duty in the recently announced mission to Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18211/01]
Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.
Proinsias De Rossa
Ceist:46 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Defence the plans there are to send a contingent of the Defence Forces for UN peacekeeping in Ethiopia and Eritrea; the number of personnel likely to be involved; the nature of the role they will fulfil; the mandate under which they will operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18305/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 46 together.
As I indicated in my reply to Priority Questions Nos. 4 and 5, earlier today, on 3 April 2001, the Government approved the provision of a replacement contingent to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, comprising 559 personnel of the Permanent Defence Force for a six month period beginning 30 April 2001. This contingent will represent the final deployment of Defence Forces personnel to UNIFIL.
On 23 May 2001, the UN informally inquired as to whether, in the context of withdrawal of the Irish contingent from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon – UNIFIL – in November of this year, Ireland would be willing to provide a guard and administration company of about 150 Defence Forces personnel for service with the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea, UNMEE, with effect from December 2001. Following consultation with my Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs informed the UN that, in the event of a formal request being received from the UN, the approval of the Government for the deployment of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service with UNMEE for a period of 12 months from December 2001 would be sought. On 15 June 2001, the UN formally invited Ireland to contribute a guard and administration company of about 150 Defence Forces personnel to serve with UNMEE with effect from December 2001 for a minimum period of 12 months. Government approval will, accordingly, be sought at an early date for the despatch of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service with UNMEE. Dáil approval for the despatch of the contingent will also be necessary.
On 31 July 2000, the United Nations Security Council, under Resolution 1312, established the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea, UNMEE, consisting of up to 100 military observers and the necessary civilian support staff in anticipation of a peacekeeping operation subject to future authorisation. Under resolution 1320 of 15 September 2000, the Security Council authorised the deployment within UNMEE of up to 4,300 troops until 15 March 2001. On that date the Security Council by its resolution 1344 extended UNMEE's mandate at the previously authorised levels of troops and military observers until 15 September 2001. The despatch of a contingent in December 2001 would, of course, be subject to the renewal of the mandate by the UN Security Council beyond 15 September 2001.
It is proposed that a military team will undertake a fact-finding visit to Ethiopia and Eritrea at an early date when matters such as the precise role of the Defence Forces as well as the equipment required will be determined. A security assessment will also be carried out taking account of the situation on the ground at the time.
In response to a separate request from the UN, I have agreed that two members of the Defence Forces will be deployed to the mission, with immediate effect, to take up staff appointments in UNMEE Force HQ.
I have also agreed, at the UN's request, to the deployment of two officers of the Defence Forces as military liaison officers to the UN peace support operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUC. These officers are expected to take up duty shortly.