Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied as we are a neutral country, with the role of a contingent from the Army currently in a location (details supplied); and if they might not be better deployed working on humanitarian projects elsewhere. [7283/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces are primarily deployed on overseas missions in support of international peace and security under UN mandates. On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, authorising the establishment of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Ireland has participated in the NATO–led UN mandated mission since 5 July 2002, following the Government Decision of 2 July 2002, authorising the provision of seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the force. Since 2002, the Government has reviewed and approved, on an annual basis, the continued participation by seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF. On 29 June 2010, the Government agreed to continue to provide seven members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with ISAF for a further period from July 2010, subject to ongoing review by the Minister for Defence.

In the case of the seven Defence Forces personnel currently participating in ISAF, I am satisfied that the work carried out by these personnel at ISAF headquarters represents an important contribution to this UN mandated mission. The mission has no implications for Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality.