Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have made the argument to the Chairman. The only way to see the change in the way our peacekeepers operate and the complexities of the different types of threat is to visit one of the missions and speak to the people on the ground. They have the experience of what peacekeepers do on a daily basis. I had a visit from a veteran last St. Patrick's Day and he spoke about one of the most dangerous activities he and his colleagues did, which was sweeping for road mines. That is still part and parcel of the work of our peacekeepers but the process is way more complex than it was in the 1980s. We must have the very best of equipment and match what other countries have. We must be able to match the threat of those people on the other side. If we do not have the proper equipment, why should we be involved with peacekeeping? The process is way more advanced than what it was five, ten, 15 or 20 years ago. Part of the peacekeeping effort is about having advanced equipment.

I spoke about the areas of training that members of the Defence Forces get in the battle group. This includes engineering and special search capability. I spoke to Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan about explosive ordnance disposal, security and staff posts. This is very important training. If we are to work with like-minded countries in a peacekeeping scenario, we must have the experience of working alongside these people. Unless we train and equip these people in the very best manner we can, I would not be happy to send those members of the Defence Forces on any peacekeeping mission.