Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
104. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if peacekeeping duties performed by Defence Forces personnel in Kosovo included exclusive chauffeur duty to an assigned senior officer. [37526/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Security Presence in Kosovo (KFOR) is a NATO-led force operating under a UN mandate. KFOR was established on 10 June 1999, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244, for an initial period of twelve (12) months, to continue thereafter unless the UN Security Council decides otherwise. The role of KFOR is to support the maintenance of civil law and order within Kosovo so as to develop a climate of safety and security.
Ireland has participated in KFOR since August 1999 following Government and Dáil approval. The mission is authorised under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Since then, the Government has reviewed and approved, on an annual basis, continued participation by the Defence Forces in KFOR. Currently there twelve (12) personnel serving at KFOR Headquarters.
KFOR, in close co-ordination with the Kosovo Police, continues to work towards maintaining a safe and secure environment. KFOR continues to monitor the security situation on the ground and maintain a deterrent posture to react quickly and decisively as required.
The Defence Forces have advised me that personnel are deployed to Kosovo to a variety of peacekeeping duties. While personnel may operate in a driver-support role in addition to other support roles, the information available at this time is that this did not include exclusive chauffeur duties to an assigned Senior Officer. However, they are enquiring further into the matter and I will revert to the Deputy when the information is available.
