Mr. Declan Power:

There are two interesting points I would make there. Irish casualties and fatalities have taken place on UN-led operations even though we have been on others. Granted, there have not been as many of the others. UN missions are dangerous. We should remember that. One other thing that has emerged, though, is when we go on a direct UN-led operation, we have no real control over who we have to partner up with. Sometimes our contingents have found themselves alongside other contingents with questionable human rights practices and policies. That can be different. Personally speaking, if I was still serving in uniform, I would be much happier about going on a UN-authorised EU-led or even NATO-led mission because I would know the processes and procedures would be in place for protection and for human rights.