Mr. Colm Doyle:

One of the great advantages Ireland has is that we are highly regarded internationally for our peacekeeping operations. When I mentioned at the outset that Ireland has the longest unbroken service with the United Nations of any country of the world, that is an incredible record. The great incentive for a soldier is a change to serve abroad because it gives them an opportunity to carry the weapon all the time, to work with fellow soldiers from other nations and it improves the lot of the particular soldier that he has this opportunity. Up to now, with the situation in Northern Ireland, we have already had this huge mission of support for the civil authority. That does not happen in most other countries. However, if you take most of the countries that have been involved in service in part of their commonwealth or whatever you want to call it, that gives them their incentive. We have not had that, so our only experience abroad has been in peacekeeping operations and that is one of the reason we have been pretty good at it. The reputation we have among the world community that is familiar with it means people are envious of the record of the Irish Defence Forces. When I was in New York for two and a half years, anytime I wore the Irish uniform I had a shiver up my back because I was so proud of the reputation and the remarks we were getting for our peacekeeping.

The first thing a young soldier wants when he is trained is the chance to serve abroad.