Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will respond to Deputy Noel Grealish first. In 2014 the cost was €28 million. We got back €6.1 million from the United Nations. When salaries and every other expense were taken out, the cost was €9.9 million. In 2015, after taking everything out, including the UN contribution, the cost was €10.9 million and in 2016, €12 million. Whether they were based at home or abroad, we would have been paying their salaries.

I thank all members for their comments. In response to the Chairman, there is a UN resolution on the participation of women in the Defence Forces overseas. I attended a conference in the United Kingdom in June or July last year to discuss the gender issue. We have introduced family friendly arrangements, whereby a man or a woman can serve for three months and be replaced by another person for a further three months during a six-month rotation. There is one joint UNIFIL battalion with the Finns in Lebanon. That is the only one in which we participate or plan to do so.

I receive risk assessments, as appropriate, when I ask for them, but there are continuous risk assessments in the Defence Forces, carried out in conjunction with the United Nations. When we send personnel overseas, what is most important for me is that they receive specific training and equipment and that I be happy with the risk assessment and information I received from the Defence Forces. When I visit Lebanon or the Golan Heights and meet the mayors and mukhtars of the local communities, they very much appreciate Ireland's participation for many years, specifically in Lebanon where Irish personnel lost their lives. When we send personnel abroad, we have to think, first, of their families and the people they are leaving behind and their commitment to hold the fort at home. Many of those who go away on a tour of duty have children. Six months is a long time to be away from their families, even allowing for annual leave. This is very much appreciated and I know that it is appreciated by all members of the committee. Irish personnel are recognised for their peacekeeping duties and skills wherever they participate.

Deputy Seán Barrett suggested we have a debate or make statements on this issue in the Dáil. I would be delighted to do so and will write to the Chief Whip to ask that she make time available for statements. If other members speak to their Whips, we might have an hour or two because it is very important that we promote the Defence Forces. People ask me about the Army and it is only when I explain the great work it does abroad and they see it on television that they really appreciate it. Many Irish people sacrificed their lives for peace and security in various regions across the world.