Vol. 573 No. 3
129 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence when the Government's decision to send Irish troops to Liberia will be brought before Dáil Éireann; the terms of the mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25378/03]
166 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence the mission of the LE Niamh which has been sent to Liberia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25382/03]
170 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the number of troops to be sent to Liberia as part of the UN force to monitor the cease fire there; the nature of the Irish mission and the role the Irish troops are likely to carry out; the details of the risk assessment which has been carried out in regard to the mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25247/03]
171 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Defence his views on concerns from the Defence Forces representative association PDFORRA, that risk assessment be given major priority when considering troop deployments overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25381/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129, 166, 170 and 171 together.
On 24 September 2003, the Government authorised, subject to Dáil approval, the dispatch of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the United Nations Mission in Liberia, UNMIL. I expect to move the necessary enabling resolution in the House tomorrow.
UNMIL was established under UN Security Council Resolution 1509 of 19 September 2003. The resolution authorised the deployment, under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, of up to 15,000 military personnel, together with up to 250 military observers, 1,115 civilian police officers and a civilian component, for a period of 12 months.
UNMIL's mandate is extremely comprehensive. It includes monitoring implementation of the ceasefire and the comprehensive peace agreement between the government and rebel forces. It also includes assisting the disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration, and repatriation, DDRR, of all armed parties, providing security at key government installations and at vital infrastructure, and protecting UN staff, facilities and civilians. UNMIL will assist in provision of humanitarian assistance and the promotion of human rights. Other tasks include assisting the transitional Government in developing a strategy to consolidate governmental institutions with a view to holding free and fair elections by October 2005.
The proposed Irish contingent will comprise a motorised infantry battalion, of some 430 personnel and a small number of additional personnel who will be deployed at force headquarters and as military observers. It is also proposed to deploy personnel from the Army ranger wing, for a three month period, at the request of the UN. The final composition of a Defence Forces contingent to UNMIL is currently being determined following a recent detailed reconnaissance by a Defence Forces team to the mission area, which took place from 16 to 21 October 2003.
The LE Niamh was tasked with providing support to the reconnaissance party. This support entailed sealift for vehicles and necessary logistical support required by the reconnaissance group. The LE Niamh also provided security, accommodation and communications support to the group.
