Dan Boyle
Ceist:160 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Force personnel operating in Afghanistan; and the nature of the role they are performing. [21663/02]
Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.
On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 authorising the deployment of an International Security Assistance Force, in Afghanistan for six months to assist in the maintenance of security in Kabul and the surrounding areas. The United Kingdom acted as lead nation of ISAF until 20 June 2002 when Turkey assumed the role. On 23 May 2002, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of ISAF for a further six months to December 2002.
On 2 July 2002, the Government authorised the despatch of seven members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with ISAF for a period of one year from July 2002. Seven personnel, four officers and three non-commissioned officers were deployed to ISAF in July 2002. The seven personnel are deployed mainly in planning and administrative type roles at the force HQ in Kabul where they are assigned as follows:
|
(a) Personnel Branch |
1 Lieutenant Colonel |
|
(b) Operations Branch |
2 Commandants |
|
(c) Logistics Branch |
1 Commandant |
|
(d) Chief of Staff's Branch |
1 Company Sergeant |
|
(e) General Administration |
1 Sergeant |
|
(f) Information Branch |
1 Sergeant |