Update: EU Peacekeeping – Defence 13th November, 2014

QUESTION NO   :       15  
 
To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which it is intended to participate with other European countries engaged in peace-keeping/peace enforcement throughout the EU and/or environs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.  

As of 1   ^st   November 2014, Ireland is contributing 418 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 191 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) with 138 personnel, the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 12 personnel, EU-led operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 7 personnel, the EU-led Training Mission in Mali with 10 personnel and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan with 7 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with several United Nations missions.  
With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Due to Ireland’s own current level of commitment in overseas peacekeeping operations, notably to the United Nations Disengagement Force in Syria and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, we are not in a position to make any significant commitment to other missions at this time.
The current contribution of some 418 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.