Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Barrett for his contribution. He is correct when he says that some of the country's greatest ambassadors are members of the Defence Forces who go abroad on missions. It is only when one goes abroad and sees our personnel on peacekeeping missions and how they interact with the local villages, mayors, political leaders and people that one sees how we are able to operate. The Deputy talks about how people look at us with envy regarding the work we carry out and how we are ambassadors. The programme for a partnership Government includes a commitment to develop a new peace support and leadership training programme at the Curragh. This is in the initial planning stages. Over €10 million has been allocated for this project. I want to see this project delivered with the Department, the Defence Forces and other Departments.

The Deputy asked whether there is an exact cost.