The question of Defence Forces participation in overseas missions is kept under regular review. Requests from the UN for Irish participation in new missions are considered on a case by case basis within the context of the United Nations stand-by arrangement system, UNSAS. As I have indicated previously, in October 1998 Ireland signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations in relation to UNSAS. Ireland has committed up to 850 military personnel for UN service at any one time under this system. There would, however, be no obligation to participate in any particular mission and Dáil approval would be required for the despatch of a contingent to a specific operation. The decision to participate in UNSAS is a tangible expression of Ireland's continuing commitment to involvement in peacekeeping operations.
On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter authorising the deployment of an international security assistance force, ISAF, in Afghanistan for six months to assist in the maintenance of security in Kabul and the surrounding areas, so that the Afghan Interim Authority and the personnel of the United Nations can operate in a secure environment. Acting under chapter VII of the UN Charter means that the ISAF, the lead nation of which is the United Kingdom, is authorised to take all necessary measures to fulfil its mandate.
I am agreeable in principle to the deployment of members of the Defence Forces to ISAF, subject to a full assessment of all the attendant factors. In this regard, a Defence Forces assessment team, comprising three personnel, will undertake a fact-finding visit to Afghanistan in the near future during which discussions will be held with the lead nation, the United Kingdom, to establish whether a suitable role can be identified for Defence Forces personnel. A security assessment will also be carried out by the team taking account of the situation on the ground at the time.