I wish to share time with Deputy Timmins.
Overseas Missions: Motion (Resumed).
The following motion was moved by the Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith, earlier today:
That Dáil Éireann approves the despatch, pursuant to section 2 of the Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1960, as amended by the Defence (Amendment) Act 1993, of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the United Nations Mission in Liberia, UNMIL, established on 19 September 2003 under UN Security Council Resolution 1509 (2003).
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle
Is that agreed? Agreed.
I agree with previous speakers that this is probably one of the most difficult missions which Irish peacekeeping forces have had to handle. It is a tribute to the efforts of our Defence Forces that they have been specifically requested to participate in this mission. Our thoughts and good wishes go with the Irish contingent in this new venture in terms of the number of dangers involved, above and beyond the norm. The possibility of having to deal with child soldiers and all that entails makes for a very difficult mission.
I refer to the speech of my colleague, Deputy Gay Mitchell, with particular reference to the peace mission Bill which he has sponsored. He has done a tremendous service to this House over the past few years by highlighting the need to look ahead in matters of defence and security. Irish peacekeeping forces have carved out a particular niche for which they have earned worldwide respect. However, there are changing scenes ahead in Europe and elsewhere. In the case of Macedonia, it is rather ironic that we could not become involved because of the UN situation there. Circumstances have arisen in which the UN has not been capable of taking on the heavy fire-power confronting its personnel. I hope the equipment supplied to our peacekeeping forces is in keeping with the best and most modern equipment available. If it is not, then we would be doing them a great disservice and putting them at risk. It is imperative we bear that in mind, as failure to do so would mean letting our troops down.
It is the same for medical support, which will be more necessary for this mission than for any other since the Congo expeditions of the 1960s. We must keep in mind that the Defence Forces have never failed to live up to the commitment to and expectations of international peacekeeping. It is important for us to give them the backup and supplies which are necessary in sensitive areas like Liberia.
A question which has aggravated some Members recently is that of international peacekeeping and peace enforcement. There are changes taking place whether we like it or not, even if the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, does not agree. We should never forget, as I have said before, that if a terrorist seized a cargo aircraft at this moment and headed for a major installation in Ireland we would have to seek outside help to deal with it. At this stage we do not know where we would seek that help because no decision has been made on this; threatening the pilot of the aircraft with a meeting of the Dáil or Seanad would do little to resolve the problem. It is necessary to review our defence and security commitments not just within the UN but within Europe. If we do not do so, who will accept responsibility here and say that we were remiss in not doing what we should have done? That is our responsibility as legislators and it is not the responsibility of lobby groups or anyone else. We should keep these issues in mind.
I wish the mission every success, as it is important that it goes with our blessing and full support. However, we must also consider the various new threats that may confront our nation.
I thank Deputy Durkan for sharing his time. I am very supportive of this mission, as it is imperative to take any opportunity we get to make a contribution to world peace. There are probably some elements in the country which feel we should make no contribution in this area but Ireland has gained a lot of respect since we started peacekeeping in 1958 by sending observers to the Lebanon.
The mandate of UNMIL – the United Nations Mission in Liberia – is straightforward. It includes the monitoring and implementation of the ceasefire and the comprehensive peace agreement between the Government and rebel forces. It also includes the disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration and repatriation of all armed parties. There are approximately 70,000 armed parties, many of them child soldiers, so this is perhaps the most difficult mission for Ireland since we went to the Congo. However, the Defence Forces would have sent out reconnaissance missions to make various assessments and I assume it is on their advice that the Government decided to go ahead with participation in the mission.
It appears that in the initial stages Irish troops will be pathfinders beyond Monrovia. The risk assessment in Monrovia, according to the reports, is medium but it is high outside that area, so this will be a period of danger and concern for Irish troops. As others have said, I hope the Minister has ensured the force will have satisfactory equipment, because UN missions are often very vulnerable, irrespective of their support and firepower. When people ask me what it is like to serve overseas, as I have done, I always use the analogy of 40 or 50 Frenchmen in the GPO; if the local community wants to get them it can do so, as a local community always has the wherewithal to inflict casualties and then fade into the background. UN forces rely on the goodwill and co-operation of the local community, which is one of the main strengths of Irish troops and the reason the Irish are to the fore in virtually every peacekeeping mission. Due to our personality traits and professional training, Irish military personnel approach their work in a humane manner and are familiar with the varying degrees of force necessary, with the use of weaponry a last resort.
The Irish mission, which will involve 430 personnel and a mechanised battalion, is to act as a rapid reaction force. This means that any time there are difficulties they will be deployed to the relevant area as back-up. They will be at the coalface both through pathfinding, which means securing areas in which troops can be permanently deployed, and as a rapid reaction force. The most important thing for any force is its own protection and medical backup. I am not sure what medical support is going with the mission – perhaps the Minister can clear that up – but staff shortages in our medical corps mean it is often difficult to get sufficient medical personnel. We should be sure the required medical complement is travelling with the force.
One of the biggest drains on the Defence Forces at home is the provision of their own security, particularly when it comes to barracks security. We have some Kildare Deputies present who can tell the House that as one passes the Curragh one sees 50 to 100 people securing premises. The threat to our internal security has reduced dramatically in recent years and more electronic security surveillance equipment should be used to cut the man-hours spent on those mundane security duties. I wish the Minister and the Defence Forces well. I am sure they will carry out this mission in the same way they have carried out past missions.
I wish to share my time with Deputy Ardagh. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on Ireland's participation in the United Nations Mission in Liberia through the dispatch of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force there under the terms of Security Council Resolution 1509. Since the outbreak of civil war in Liberia in 1990 and the overthrow of the President Samuel Doe, this small west African country of 3.3 million people has descended into chaos and continuous conflict that has seen approximately 250,000 people dead, with more than 1 million uprooted from their homes.
The election of warlord Charles Taylor as President in 1997 brought little of the hoped-for stability. Insurgency continued in Liberia until August this year, when Nigerian troops were the first to arrive to quell fighting between rebel groups and the forces of Charles Taylor. The Nigerian-led peace force succeeded in imposing a ceasefire in Monrovia, ending fighting that had caused the deaths of over 1,000 civilians in the city.
There was widespread relief when Charles Taylor resigned under pressure on 11 August of this year, leading to a power-sharing peace deal between the Government and rebels. Taylor's destabilising influence on the country and region has been obvious. His invasion of Liberia from the Ivory Coast in 1989 was the spark that set off the civil war, and his financial support for rebel forces in Guinea, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone created enormous hardship in these countries.
His main ally, the Revolutionary United Front, has been accused of widespread torture and sexual assault. In June 2003, a UN-backed court indicted Taylor for crimes against humanity during the civil war in Sierra Leone.
In the aftermath of his destructive regime much effort is now needed to revive the country. It is potentially one of Africa's richest but, with 80 % of the population living below the poverty line, the challenge facing the new power-sharing government of restoring electrical and other communication systems while at the same time meeting the needs of hundreds of thousands of civilians still living as refugees is truly enormous. Ireland has already contributed €2.5 million for emergency humanitarian assistance this year and the Government has indicated that further assistance can be made available. It is, however, obvious that peace must be firmly established before the task of rebuilding this ravaged county can begin in earnest.
During Ireland's membership of the UN Security Council from 2001 to 2002 our representatives took a particular interest in the Liberian situation and were among the strongest supporters of targeted sanctions on the Taylor regime to prevent it from further destabilising the region. It is, therefore, perfectly consistent with that position to now want to help build a lasting peace in Liberia and the region.
In approving the motion before the House today, Dáil Éireann will open a new chapter in Ireland's international peacekeeping history, which began more than 40 years ago in Congo and which continued through distinguished involvement in Cyprus, Lebanon, Bosnia, Kosovo, East Timor and Somalia. UNMIL's specific mandate includes providing support for disarmament, demobilisation, reunification and monitoring the terms of the ceasefire agreement, including human rights violations, facilitating humanitarian relief efforts, protecting civilians, establishing the conditions for the safe return of refugees and internally displaced people and supporting the national transitional government and the creation of conditions under which elections can be held.
The enormity of the challenge is not to be underestimated, not least when we consider the extremely volatile situation which still exists in Liberia. In the past week the Associated Press reported on a tour of the rebel-held far east of the country, undertaken by the Kenyan commander of UNMIL, General Opande, in which he saw hamlet after hamlet still bloodied by pillaging fighters or persistent clashes between rebels and government hardliners, and this in a country where 10% of the child population has been forced to take up arms.
There is no denying the high risk nature of the mission the Minister is asking the House to support, neither is there any escape from the duty that befalls us as members of the international community presented with a specific UN request for participation. It is interesting in this context to note reports that nearly 380 volunteers have come forward already to take up positions on what will eventually be a 430 member contingent. This level of volunteering against a background of known military dangers and significant other health risks speaks volumes of the courage and determination of the members of the Irish Defence Forces which have been well demonstrated in the past. I am reminded of the words of Bill Clinton when he visited here in 1998: "I would like to just say, because I can't leave Ireland without acknowledging this, that there are few nations that have contributed more than Ireland, even in times which were difficult for this country, to the cause of peace and human rights around the world".
I appreciate the comments of the Army officers representative body, RACO, which has expressed concern about the level of medical back-up that will be available for troops on this mission. I lend my voice to the call for no effort or cost to be spared to ensure that the necessary medical facilities will be made available. The director of the Army Medical Corps has stated that systematic use of anti-malaria medication is likely to be effective and we are assured that all personnel will be fully immunised against other known diseases. We can further take heart from the fact that, for the first time in its history, the Army is fully equipped to take on a challenge such as that presenting itself in Liberia, but it is important that our troops continue to be fully resourced throughout the mission.
The cause of peace transcends all other challenges, whether in the Middle East, the Western Balkans, Africa or on our island of Ireland, and determined efforts to build a secure and durable peace must be tirelessly pursued. I commend the motion to the House and wish those admirable women and men who will undertake the mission well.
I am delighted to speak to this important motion. The current civil conflict in Liberia is attracting worldwide attention. It is an issue that must be dealt with immediately. I notice that my Kildare colleagues are present and I am aware that this is an issue of particular importance to them because many of the soldiers who have graciously and bravely volunteered for this dangerous but important mission are, in the main, from the constituencies in Kildare, although soldiers come from all over the country, and Dublin South-Central has its fair share of soldiers who at all times are ready to do their duty. I wish all those who have volunteered well on their leaving and, more importantly, I wish them a safe return.
It is imperative that we take action in Liberia because of the conflict, war and terrible abuse of human rights that is taking place there. The fear of conflict is also spreading further to Sierra Leone and Guinea. Sierra Leone has moved into peace mode in recent years and it would be a tragedy for war to break out again in that region. Quick action will help to end the regional instability. We must try, by operating within Liberia, to preserve the peace in Sierra Leone.
Since 1998 thousands of people have been killed in the region and tens of thousands have fled. There is worldwide concern about the abuse of human rights there, which is a pressing issue. The Liberian troops have been responsible for multiple raids, tortures, killings and rapes of women and children. Young children are also facing other dilemmas – malnutrition, disease and fatalities. Numerous rebel groups there are carrying out the same horrific acts as other government parties.
The organisations which are at war have immense control over the people in Liberia. There is great fear there and an increasing number of young people are suffering greatly. Young boys in particular are recruited by rebel groups and armies across the region. Most of these young boys are not from secure families but are fleeing terrible situations. It is estimated that 15,000 child soldiers are fighting for all the parties in the conflict. They tend to be young men in their late teens from broken backgrounds. If they do not join up willingly, they are forcibly recruited and many times threatened with death to themselves or their families. They are given AK-47s to operate as some members of UNICEF found while travelling through Liberia giving aid. It was said that these young boys were given drugs to make them brave and dull them into submission. They were drugged to help them cope with the loneliness and fear they experienced each day.
It is imperative that our troops engage in this mission in Liberia and for that reason I support this motion. I note all previous speakers have also supported it. I am delighted there is unanimous support for the bravery and loyalty attached to the great work in which our Army and soldiers are at all times engaged.
I welcome the opportunity to speak to this motion and wish the contingent of our Defence Forces well in their forthcoming assignment to Liberia. In wishing them well, I hope they will have a satisfactory tour of duty and a safe return to our shores. The members of the Defences Forces have been wonderful ambassadors for this country over a long period. For the past 40 to 50 years they have done a wonderful job for us on the international stage. Unfortunately, that stage is also one where they have put their lives on the line on a daily basis. Sadly, many have lost their lives in far-off parts of the world. With God's help, we will not see the recurrence of such sad events with regard to this contingent.
Such opportunities of active service are looked forward to by members of the Defence Forces. I, as well as Deputies Ó Fearghaíl and Seán Power, represent constituencies with large numbers of members of the Defence Forces. We know that they look forward to these active service overseas missions. This is what they were trained for and want to do. When overseas, they take pride that they are representing the Defence Forces, and Ireland in a wider sense, in a peacekeeping mission.
This mission to Liberia will be one of the most difficult, as the Minister for Defence has stated, that we face. It is not just of concern to Members, but also to the families and friends of these volunteers from the Defence Forces. It is necessary that the logistical operation takes into account these families and friends, as well as the participants. I ask the Minister for Defence to ensure that communications between families and members of the Defence Forces are not held up in any way, eliminating doubts over a much-awaited letter or communication. Members can state that we fully support the mission. However, there is the obvious need that the families and friends of those involved also support it. This will only be done through the communications they will send to the troops in Liberia.
There have been concerns expressed by RACO with regard to the health aspects of this mission. There is a high prevalence of tropical diseases in Liberia. I am pleased to note that this was addressed by the Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith, at the RACO conference in Tralee. I am glad that the health aspect of the mission has been addressed as well as the material ones. We must lend our weight whenever a family member of a peacekeeper approaches us on the matter. We must also know that the Defence Forces have the utmost confidence in the health teams in Liberia. If one of our troops should unfortunately fall prey to one of the many diseases there, the mechanisms must be there to airlift him or her home or provide adequate health care in the field.
The volunteer aspect of such an assignment is of vital importance. Local and national newspapers have claimed that the mission is not a totally voluntary one. However, I hope that by the time the troops go to Liberia, we will see full voluntary participation, as it will lend to blending the whole team together. When we have the required number of volunteers willing to put their training to the test, it always helps build the better team and ensures the success of such ventures. We have read the statements from the Minister for Defence, other Members and the newspapers concerning the problems facing this peacekeeping mission. When we see Liberian children playing out in the fields, we must remember they are playing with guns and are exposed to the dangers of live mines and mortars. This is a whole new field for this young nation with such potential to address. However, through our Defence Forces and in our own way, we will assist in the creation of a peaceful Liberia, allowing it to develop and move forward to free elections. In that way, it can be said that Ireland will have helped in the development of a country and developed a friendship through the visits of the Defence Forces.
I ask the Minister for Defence to monitor the ongoing security threat in Liberia. If our troops are moved away from the capital, then we will see the intensity of that threat increased. It is important that Members are frequently updated on this matter. In my constituency, and in those of Deputies Ó Fearghaíl and Seán Power, there is a mainstay of people who will be directly concerned. We will appreciate updates on the security problems in Liberia. However, it is hoped that the UN will ensure that those security problems diminish before our troops go there.
I support the initiative. It is a phase in the development of the Defence Forces that will see them again act as ambassadors for Ireland. I have always seen the Defence Forces as part of the Celtic tiger in that they created such a positive image for Ireland around the world. They will do us proud. We only ask that the Department of Defence will ensure that all mechanisms and logistics for equipment and health services that are necessary for such a successful operation are put in place. The most important logistical demand is to ensure communications between members of the Defence Forces and their families. There can be cases where it falls by the wayside. However, I ask the Minister for Defence to ensure that it is dealt with on an ongoing basis and any problems are quickly erased. As we face Christmas, it is a difficult time for soldiers to leave their loved ones for such far-off fields with the concern of what awaits them. I am sure the communications aspect of the mission will be addressed by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces.
I wish to share time with Deputy Woods.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
A new chapter will be written in the history of the Defence Forces next month when 430 personnel commence a mission to Liberia. This is a decision that has not been taken lightly. Much information was collected and gathered before the decision was taken and we were better equipped than ever in making that decision. No guarantees can be given for the safety of troops on a mission. However, on balance, the judgment this time was reasonably good. The best thing Members can do is to wish the troops well on the mission, and to hope they have an enjoyable tour and return home safely.
It is appropriate that we should debate the issue in the House. Yesterday when addressing the RACO conference in Tralee, the Minister explained that we are sending a mission that is properly trained and equipped to do the job the UN is requesting and it is vital that it is properly resourced for the job. As other Members have said, our Defence Forces have a very proud record of serving with the United Nations throughout the world.
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Lebanon when the Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith, unveiled a plaque in memory of those who had given their lives while on duty in Lebanon. It brought home to me the sacrifices that Irish men and women are prepared to make on behalf of this country and in the interests of restoring peace throughout the world. We probably take this for granted. Nobody can make a greater sacrifice than to give his or her life, and many Irish men and women have been and continue to be prepared to make that ultimate sacrifice.
Overseas service is a very important part of army life. Members of the Defence Forces spend much of their time training and these missions offer an opportunity to put their training into action. While a number of them have been on overseas missions, the mission to Liberia will bring new challenges. While the population is small, certain practices, including the use of guns, especially by very young people, will offer a particular challenge. However, I know our troops are well equipped and prepared to deal with them.
Deputy Ó Fearghaíl mentioned the number of missions in which troops have been involved. Despite the tremendous work and the success our Defence Forces have had abroad, it is most unfortunate that so little of this is reported back home. I appeal to the Minister to use his Department's PR machine and that of the military authorities to explain this clearly to people. To do justice to those who serve abroad and make such a sacrifice, it is only fitting that their work should be reported on a regular basis back home. This would be very good for the education of the Irish people. Unfortunately, it is only when things go wrong and when dead soldiers return to Ireland that we realise what is going on, the work they are doing and sacrifices they are making. I hope the structures can be put in place to ensure there is regular reporting of the mission that is about to go to Liberia.
While I do not believe there has been a formal request to the Government, there has been mention of Ireland taking part in a mission to restore peace and normality in Iraq. In present circumstances, I hope that the Government will not agree to a request to serve there. It is only fitting that those who were spoiling for a fight should be given the opportunity to clean up the mess they created. Members of the Irish Defence Forces should not be asked to take the risk involved in serving in a place such as Iraq.
I support the motion. I wish those serving in the mission well and a safe passage home.
The Irish Defence Forces have made an extremely valuable contribution to UN peacekeeping over the past half century. As the Dáil is invited to consider approving Ireland's 42nd UN peacekeeping mission it is worth reflecting on the significance of our involvement. Since 1958 Irish troops have been involved in some of the most difficult and conflict-riven regions in the world.
It is our job to ensure that our troops are fully prepared to operate in these circumstances. The Department of Defence in its recent presentation to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs detailed the more comprehensive preparation of our troops for active duty on any UN mission that takes place today. This training ensures that our soldiers, with modern equipment, are capable of dealing with all the threats they are likely to encounter on active duty.
An ongoing evaluation of peacekeeping is carried out not only nationally but also in the UN where lessons learnt on previous missions are incorporated into future planning. We have been assured that any Irish soldier who has volunteered to go to Liberia under this proposed UN mission goes with the training to do the job to the highest possible standard and to ensure his or her own safety. Any troops that go will need such training as the work of those involved in this operation will be extremely difficult. When this is coupled with the health risks that accompany any service in west Africa there is no doubt that we are assigning a difficult task to our troops.
There are, however, compelling reasons for the Government to request the Dáil to approve the participation of up to 450 Irish troops in the UN mission to Liberia. The Liberian state and the wider west African region urgently need an era of peace and stability. Since 1989 Liberia has been ravaged by civil war and since 1997 by the worst excesses of corruption and lawlessness under the regime of the recently departed Charles Taylor. Now under the peace agreement of Accra, signed in August of this year, and with the allocation of 15,000 troops under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, there is a real opportunity to provide a stable environment for the elections scheduled for 2005.
When law and order is established, the transitional government will be able to address the huge social problems afflicting the country where there is 80% unemployment, only 26% of the population have access to running water and less than 40% have adequate sanitation. Success in this project will complement the UN's efforts in Sierra Leone and in the Ivory Coast, where Irish troops are on active duty and raise the prospect of long-term peace in west Africa.
Other considerations also influence this motion. The African Union founded on 26 May 2001 has indicated that lack of peace and security is one of the greatest obstacles to normalising society in Africa. In our recent fact-finding mission in Zambia and South Africa, members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs were reminded by Ministers and Members of Parliament of the importance of trying to end conflict on the continent. By providing this force we acknowledge the importance of what the African states are trying to achieve and strengthen the great work already being done by Irish missionaries, NGOs and Development Co-operation Ireland on the continent of Africa.
Committing troops to Liberia will not only be a real show of solidarity with those trying to achieve results in Africa, it will also be a strong demonstration of support for the United Nations and its worldwide efforts to bring peace, stability, education, improved health services, sanitation, water and power supplies to the least developed nations and their peoples.
Ireland is a neutral country. We believe that there are better models for conflict resolution than warfare and we as a nation wish to see greater adherence to the rule of international law. Since we have decided that the UN is the vehicle through which this can be best achieved we must throw our weight behind even the toughest of tasks. Anything short of that and the neutrality to which we proudly adhere will be severely weakened.
It is a great source of pride for every Irish citizen that we have played such a positive and effective role in peacekeeping. Passing this motion will maintain that proud tradition and keep faith with all those brave Irish soldiers who have risked their lives and in some cases given their lives in the service of mankind.
I wish to share time with Deputies Crowe and Connolly.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
As has been enunciated, the Green Party is in accord with the consensus in this House that this mission should proceed. We have an honourable record in answering the call of the UN and we have done so to a greater extent than many other countries in the world. It is important that that sanction applies when we allocate Irish troops regardless of regrets that have been expressed about other areas of conflict in the world where, as a neutral country, we are unable to participate.
In saying that and in giving the sanction of the House to this mission, we have to be cognisant of the fact that this is the most dangerous setting that Irish soldiers are likely to have been in since the initial UN deployment in the Congo, which sadly resulted in many deaths in the Defence Forces. We can only hope that the volatile situation in Liberia will be eased by the existence of a strong UN force and the proper contribution of an Irish contingent within that force.
The difference between this and any likely deployment, such as Iraq, if approved, is that the UN entering a situation aggravated by countries such as the US acting unilaterally will encounter the widespread disapproval that exists on the ground. That situation would be even more difficult. I hope the House will not have to confront it and ask Irish soldiers to go into Iraq. The current world climate is putting at risk the idea of the UN being perceived as a neutral force and this was exemplified by the bomb in Baghdad. I hope the situation in Liberia will not deteriorate accordingly. Many people do not understand the niceties of international diplomacy, and the significance of the "blue hat". The fact that they will deal with heavily armed child soldiers is not a risk that will compromise the Irish Defence Forces whom we are asking to do this job on the UN's behalf and who ultimately represent this country.
Sinn Féin will support this motion in keeping with the party's commitment to the UN system and positive neutrality in action. We believe that as a UN-led multi-dimensional operation, UNMIL is a worthwhile endeavour. It includes political and military initiatives and involves civilian police, criminal justice, civilian affairs, human rights, issues of gender, child protection, disarmament, demobilisation and re-integration along with public information and electoral components, co-ordinated with humanitarian and development efforts. On this basis approximately 380 Irish people have so far volunteered for this mission.
It can never be an easy decision to take such a personal risk and leave family and friends concerned about one's safety. The sum of such personal decisions can have a tremendous positive impact on the world. Irish involvement in UN peacekeeping is a source both of national pride and international prestige. It will be a difficult task, all the more so because of recent attacks on UN personnel in other regions. I note the concern by RACO and PDFORRA about available medical cover for troops and the prevalence of disease including malaria and HIV. I am particularly concerned about the potentially psychotic effect of anti-malarial drugs as reported by other forces. I would appreciate a full report from the Minister on the measures and precautions being taken in this regard.
As regards potential HIV transmission, I am pleased to note that the office of the special representative of the UN Secretary General in Liberia has appointed not only a HIV-AIDS policy adviser and support staff to assist with prevention among military personnel as well as civilians but also a senior gender adviser with support staff. Such UN support must be matched by the Government which has a responsibility to ensure that Irish troops are equipped with both the knowledge and supplies necessary for their protection. Will the Minister assure the House that these reports will also be made available?
I am concerned about the risk posed to Irish Defence Forces by any proposed mission. We should not insult the intelligence of those who have volunteered by suggesting, as some people have, that only safer missions under EU or NATO leaderships should be undertaken. These peacekeepers are professionals. They are aware of the dangers and have taken these factors into account in making their informed decisions. They have balanced personal risk against the potential to make a contribution towards alleviating the suffering of the Liberian people who, for more than 15 years, have lived through abuses of human rights, including arbitrary killings and the massacre of civilians, disappearances, torture, rape, arbitrary arrest and detention, forced conscription and the use of child soldiers. These people have endured all the deprivation of their basic needs and rights as a result of protracted conflict.
The decision by individual members of the Defence Forces must be recognised as a brave and selfless choice worthy of respect. While I have indicated our support for this motion, as legislators we must closely monitor the progress of this mission and take further decisions as necessary and appropriate in response to developments which may be unforeseen. I offer my best wishes to the troops for success in their mission and a safe return to Ireland.
The name Liberia means "land of freedom". That is not reflected in Liberia at present. It is war-torn and the American influence is still strong. The American-English language is in use and the dollar is the currency. Liberia has sought external intervention to rescue its people from the civil war that has engulfed the country since the Americans disengaged in the 1990s at the end of the Cold War. The UN estimates that about half a million people are displaced. It is something that cannot be taken lightly.
A number of issues must be considered regarding the deployment of peacekeeping forces at headquarters in Liberia. The UN is going there to do valuable work. Our reputation has been substantially enhanced internationally because of the type of work our soldiers have done abroad. They have done us proud. It is one reason Irish people find they are respected when they travel abroad.
PDFORRA has recently appealed to the Government to exercise caution because of the security threat. It says the Government should put at-risk assessment at the top of its agenda in all cases of overseas peacekeeping participation. I believe continuous at-risk assessment must be put in place. If it turns into a chronic war-torn situation, perhaps our troops should back off.
I thank the House for its recognition of the importance of Ireland's and the Defence Forces' contribution to international peace and security. I am especially grateful for the kind words and the compliments from Deputies regarding the manner in which the Defence Forces have discharged themselves on these missions. The debate reflects the high regard in which the Defence Forces are held internationally as peacekeepers and the warm regard in which they are held by the Irish people while recognising the important role they play in the communities they serve here and abroad.
As we face the challenge in Liberia, we know there are risks and that these should not be underestimated. The significant presence of child soldiers, including girls, the proliferation of weapons, the continued operation of armed groups and criminal elements throughout the country and lack of communications control and organisation among and within the various components of the rebel and militia groupings all pose major security risks for the personnel being deployed. Against this background, I assure the House that the decision to go to Liberia was not taken lightly. In considering any mission, our ability to protect the health and safety of our personnel is of paramount importance. However, all missions involve some element of risk.
A full assessment of the UNMIL mission was undertaken, including a comprehensive and detailed reconnaissance by an experienced Defence Forces team, before the final decision was made. I am assured by the military authorities that, while the situation is difficult and volatile, they are satisfied they can discharge their mandates in an effective manner and maintain the safety of their personnel. To this end the Defence Forces are deploying significant force protection assets and medical support. The ultimate care is being taken in the testing and inoculation of personnel against known diseases. Having regard to the importance of this mission to peace and stability in the region, Ireland's abiding interest in Africa and its development and the requests from the UN for our participation, the Government is satisfied that we should take part in the mission.
Deputy Gay Mitchell asked about the naval vessel. The Navy vessel, LE Niamh, was deployed with the reconnaissance group to provide logistical support, communications and accommodation. It also brought out transport vehicles. We deployed the vessel as we had no personnel on the ground and were advised there were no facilities for the reconnaissance group. The naval vessel returned to Ireland when the reconnaissance mission was completed.
I outlined in some detail in my initial presentation the various medical facilities being provided to personnel deployed in Liberia. I am assured they fully meet the requirements of the mission. At the RACO conference yesterday its president indicated satisfaction with what is being proposed. All personnel to be deployed are being provided with all their inoculations. The director of the Medical Corps has also had detailed consultations with the Royal College of Surgeons regarding tropical disease aspects and the risks involved. I assure the House that the medical personnel, including doctors, to provide for the Defence Forces contingent will be deployed on an ongoing basis. A wide range of equipment and force protection assets are being deployed by the contingent. This equipment is of the highest quality. Mowag APCs performed effectively when deployed with the Defence Forces when they served in UNMEE. We are also deploying armoured vehicles and support weapons, heavy machine guns and a mortar platoon.
Deputy Michael D. Higgins suggested that serving personnel were not consulted in regard to operational matters. The final decision in regard to deployment to Liberia did not take place until the Defence Forces themselves had undertaken a detailed reconnaissance. Arising from this reconnaissance, the Chief of Staff advised me that while there are risks he was satisfied that these could be contained and that this was an appropriate mission for the Defence Forces. All operational matters regarding the deployment of force protection assets and medical facilities are decisions taken within the military establishment.
A number of Deputies raised questions about the triple lock, the legal provisions of the Defence Acts, the EU constitution and the PfP. These are matters for another day, as we are concentrating on Liberia.
There was some suggestion that Ireland should only embark upon a mission where there was absolute certainty in regard to safety and no threat to our personnel. I cannot accept this stance. Ireland has long recognised its obligations to support peace and security throughout the world, which can sometimes mean operating under difficult and dangerous circumstances. We cannot always wait for peace to happen, sometimes we need to help establish and maintain it. Ireland will not falter in its obligations in this regard.
Deputy Gormley inquired about the rules of engagement under Chapter VII of the UN charter. I am sure the Deputy will agree that it is vitally important that the personnel being deployed on difficult and dangerous missions be given the appropriate authority to use all means at their disposal to discharge their mandate. The Defence Forces have previous experience of such missions, including UNAMET in East Timor, SFOR in Bosnia, KFOR in Kosovo and UNMEE in Eritrea. Under a Chapter VII mission, personnel are entitled to use force, up to and including deadly force, to defend and protect themselves, UN personnel, international personnel and, within their capabilities, civilians where there is an immediate threat to life or bodily harm.
The primary role of the Army ranger wing is to provide special reconnaissance liaisons and intelligence and may be required to provide close protection. The Army ranger wing will operate at the direction of the force commander and will provide him with advice on special operations.
I do not have time to conclude all points but in regard to communications and other questions raised about soldiers making contact with their homes and so on, these facilities are being provided. We will do everything we can to ensure that this kind of contact and personal matters are dealt with, especially coming up to Christmas.
I thank all Deputies who contributed on the debate for the interest they have taken in this matter and the kind remarks they made about members of the Defence Forces. We hope and pray that they will be able to manage, not just successfully, but to get back home safely as well.
Question put and agreed to.