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Overseas Missions.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2004

Thursday, 25 March 2004

Ceisteanna (29)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

22 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Defence the reasons a proposed Naval Service mission to service the Irish contingent in Liberia did not proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9270/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There was no cancellation of any Naval Service mission to Liberia. A Naval Service vessel provided support for the initial Defence Forces reconnaissance group, which visited Liberia to assess the situation prior to the decision to deploy the Defence Forces to UNMIL. In February, the Naval Service initiated preparations for a mission on the basis that it might be required to provide a re-supply or support mission to Liberia. However, it was decided by the military authorities that, in the normal course, re-supply missions to Liberia would be undertaken using chartered aircraft. Hence there was no requirement for a Naval Service vessel to service the Irish contingent in Liberia. If a requirement arises for a Naval vessel to undertake such a mission, this will be considered at the appropriate time.

As Deputies will be aware, I have agreed to allow members of the Irish contingent in UNMIL the opportunity to avail of a subsidised leave flight on these charter flights to Ireland during their tour of duty in UNMIL.

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