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International Summits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Ceisteanna (78)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

154 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will be attending the NATO summit in Chicago on 20 and 21 May 2012; the purpose of his attendance; if it has any significance for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24832/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Ireland is not a member of NATO, the question of attendance at the NATO Summit in Chicago does not arise. In accordance with usual practice, an invitation was extended to the Taoiseach to attend a meeting which will take place on the margins of the NATO Summit between NATO Heads of State and Government and non-NATO countries who contribute to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Ireland is one of the latter countries. This meeting will take place in Chicago on Monday 21 May following the NATO Summit. The Taoiseach will not be attending; Ireland will be represented at this meeting by a senior official of my Department.

It is expected that the discussion among ISAF contributors at this meeting will focus on the transfer of responsibility for security in Afghanistan from ISAF to the Afghan National Security Forces, a process which Ireland fully supports. In recognition of the importance that a secure environment plays in achieving a stable and democratic Afghanistan, Ireland has participated in the UN-mandated ISAF mission since 2002; seven members of the Defence Forces are currently serving in non-combat roles at ISAF HQ in Kabul.

Ireland has also seconded police and civilian experts to the EU Police Training Mission in Afghanistan. In addition, we have, since 2005, provided over €35 million in funding for humanitarian assistance and civil society development programmes as well as support for the Government of Afghanistan through the World Bank-managed Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund.

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