Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The purpose of session B of today's meeting is to consider the motion referred to the select committee by Dáil Éireann on 14 February 2017 which proposes that Dáil Éireann approves the report by the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence regarding service by the Defence Forces with the United Nations in 2015. I invite the Minister of State, Deputy Paul Kehoe, to make his opening statement.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to report to the select committee on Irish Defence Forces participation in United Nations missions in 2015. The report for 2015 was laid before Dáil Éireann on 21 September 2016 and the following motion has been placed on the Order Paper for Dáil Éireann:

That Dáil Éireann approves the report by the Minister for Defence regarding service by the Defence Forces with the United Nations in 2015, copies of which were laid before Dáil Éireann on 21 September 2016, in accordance with section 13 of the Defence (Amendment) Act, 2006.

In commending the motion, I will outline some of the key aspects of Ireland's involvement with the UN over the past couple of years. A central tenet of Irish foreign policy is support for the multilateral system of collective security represented by the United Nations. In this regard, Ireland has worked to uphold the primary role of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security. Ireland reaffirmed this commitment in the Government's most recent White Paper on Defence, which was published in August 2015. The White Paper on Defence sets out the policy framework for the defence organisation until 2025 and beyond.

Ireland's commitment to the United Nations has found expression in its longstanding tradition of participation in UN peacekeeping operations. Ireland has participated continuously in UN peacekeeping operations since 1958, a service which has comprised over 65,000 individual tours of duty. Participation in overseas peacekeeping missions is a key element of Ireland's foreign policy and has been an important dimension in meeting Ireland's international obligations as a member of the UN and the EU. During 2015, the Defence Forces continued to make a major contribution to international peacekeeping through their participation in UN led and UN authorised missions. Personnel were deployed on nine different missions throughout the world, in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. In addition, members of the Permanent Defence Force were also deployed on humanitarian missions in Sierra Leone and in the Mediterranean in 2015. Ireland's main commitments during 2015 were to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, UNDOF, on the Golan Heights. The UNIFIL mission continues to represent Ireland's largest overseas deployment.

Following a request from the United Nations, a contingent of Defence Forces personnel was deployed to UNIFIL in mid-2011. Between June 2012 and November 2013, Ireland served as part of a joint Irish-Finnish battalion when a contingent of the Finnish Armed Forces began serving alongside Irish soldiers working to support UNIFIL's mission mandate. Also, Ireland held command of the joint Irish-Finnish battalion during that period. Finland, in accordance with agreements entered into on the deployment of the joint battalion, assumed command on 26 November 2013. Since May 2015, the Finnish battalion has included an Estonian platoon. Throughout 2015, a contingent comprising approximately 200 Defence Forces personnel was deployed to the UNIFIL mission. There were two rotations of Irish personnel to UNIFIL in 2015 comprising the 49th Infantry Group and the 51st Infantry Group, each with approximately 185 personnel. Also, a number of Defence Forces personnel served at UNIFIL sector west headquarters in Shama and at the force headquarters in Naqoura.

Partnership with like-minded states has become an increasing element of our overseas peacekeeping operations. The joint participation of Ireland, Finland and Estonia in the UNIFIL mission is but one example that demonstrates our joint contribution to international peace and security. In the absence of partners, the range and nature of overseas operations which Ireland could undertake in support of international peace and security would be notably curtailed. Such joint deployments further support interoperability, build experience, significantly contribute to the range and nature of operations we can undertake in support of the United Nations and further deepen the excellent relationship between our countries.

Ireland formally took over command of the Irish-Finnish battalion on 22 November 2016, at which time an additional company of approximately 150 personnel were deployed as part of the battalion. This brings the current number of Irish personnel serving with UNIFIL up to some 380. An Irish officer, Major General Michael Beary, took over as head of mission and force commander of UNIFIL in July 2016. At the request of the UN, his appointment has been extended until July 2018. It is a great honour for our country to have Major General Beary occupying this prestigious post and is an indication of the high regard in which Irish personnel are held internationally. It has been 30 years since an Irish person last held this post. The situation in Lebanon continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security. In this connection, the United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of UNIFIL until 31 August 2017.

Ireland's second largest overseas deployment in 2015 was to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, UNDOF, on the Golan Heights. The Defence Forces contribution to UNDOF in 2015 comprised the 48th Infantry Group and the 50th Infantry Group, each of which consists of approximately 130 personnel. The Infantry Group operated in the role of a quick reaction force on stand-by to assist with on-going operations within the UNDOF area of responsibility. There were eight Defence Forces personnel occupying staff appointments at UNDOF's Camp Ziouani on the Israeli side of the area of separation. At the request of the UN, Brigadier General Anthony Hanlon had his appointment as deputy force commander of UNDOF extended to 21 May 2016. I take this opportunity to thank Brigadier General Hanlon for his contribution to the success of the mission and wish him every success in the future.

The security situation in UNDOF's area of operations is continually reviewed by the UN and the Defence Forces. The continued presence of the UNDOF mission remains an important element in ensuring stability on the Golan Heights and in the Middle East region and is supported and welcomed by both Syria and Israel. Ireland continued to contribute military observers and staff to various United Nations missions such as the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, UNTSO, throughout the year under review. The 13 Irish personnel deployed to that mission in 2015 included the head of mission and Chief of Staff of UNTSO, Major General Michael Finn. Major General Finn was appointed head of mission of UNTSO by the UN in July 2013 and had his appointment extended for a further period until the end of July 2015. I thank Major General Finn for his contribution to the success of the mission and wish him every success in the future. At the request of the United Nations, an Irish officer, Colonel Eamon Caulfield, was appointed as deputy chief of staff of UNTSO in September 2015.

I have just returned from a visit to the Middle East where I visited personnel serving with the UN missions in Lebanon and Israel.

I also attended St Patrick's Day events in the region as part of Ireland's overall economic, political and security engagement in the region. It was a valuable opportunity to be briefed on the position and the challenges facing the respective missions in the area.

During 2015, Defence Forces officers continued to serve with MINURSO, the UN mission for the referendum in western Sahara; MONUSCO, the UN stabilisation mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and UNOCl, the UN operation in Côte d'Ivoire. Ireland contributed ten personnel to the EU training mission in Mali in 2015. The objective of the mission is to improve the capacity of the Malian armed forces to maintain security in Mali and restore the authority of the Malian Government and the territorial integrity of the Malian state. In October 2016, I had an opportunity to meet Irish personnel serving with the mission. Currently, 18 Irish Defence Forces personnel are deployed with the mission. Other missions in which Defence Forces personnel were deployed in 2015 were the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with seven personnel; the NATO-led international security presence, KFOR, in Kosovo, with 12 personnel; and the resolute support mission, RSM, in Afghanistan, with seven personnel. The personnel serving with RSM completed their service on 10 March 2016, when Ireland withdrew from the mission.

Turning to the deployment of Defence Forces personnel to humanitarian missions in 2015, three Naval Service vessels were deployed to the Mediterranean between May and November of that year to assist the Italian authorities with the migrant crisis. Irish participation in the humanitarian mission resulted in the rescue of more than 8,500 migrants, which clearly demonstrates the value of Ireland's involvement in this important humanitarian response. I had the opportunity to travel to Sardinia in September 2016 to meet Naval Service personnel crewing LE James Joyceand be briefed on the mission. I commend all involved in 2015 and 2016 on the outstanding role they played in saving the lives of so many men, women and children, many of whom were fleeing desperate circumstances. Five Defence Forces personnel were also deployed to Sierra Leone in January 2015 where they served as part of a UK-led joint inter-agency task force tackling Ebola in west Africa. The Defence Forces completed their service with that mission on 15 September 2015.

The current contribution of 585 personnel to overseas missions is a very significant contribution in the context of the resources available for defence. It reflects the Government's continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security. It is important for Ireland to continue to build on our long tradition of service to the founding principles of the United Nations by making practical commitments of personnel to peace support operations. Relative to our size and our available resources and capabilities, both financial and military, Ireland is proportionately a very large peacekeeping contributor within the international community. Overseas service has become a core activity of the Defence Forces. Ireland's record of service in UN-authorised peace support operations is second to none. The Defence Forces have made and continue to make a significant contribution to such operations throughout the world. The Government places high importance on the valuable work being done by members of the Defence Forces throughout the world. During my visit to the UNIFIL, UNDOF and UNTSO missions last week and my visit to Sardinia in September 2016 and to EUTM Mali in October 2016, I had the honour to see at first hand the dedication and professionalism of our Defence Forces personnel serving overseas. I fully recognise the importance of operational experience in peace support operations for the ongoing development of the Defence Forces. I assure the committee that the Government is committed to ensuring the Defence Forces continue to contribute in a meaningful way to overseas operations.

I acknowledge the significant demands placed on personnel who serve overseas and specifically on their families. Without their loyal and continuing support, Ireland's strong tradition of service overseas under the auspices of the United Nations would not be possible. Their committed and dedicated service in overseas missions reflects well, not alone on the Defence Forces but on the nation as a whole, and contributes to the excellent reputation that Ireland holds among peacekeepers throughout the world. I commend the motion to the committee.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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On behalf of the committee I record our appreciation of the very significant role played by so many members of the Permanent Defence Force in overseas missions. We know they work in very difficult places under very difficult circumstances, which does our country proud. It is a tradition of which we should be truly proud and we should ensure it continues. People must be adequately resourced when they go to these very difficult areas.

Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I join the Chairman in saying this is a very proud tradition of our country. I also note the sacrifice given by family members left behind when somebody goes overseas for six months. The spouses in a relationship, whether men or women, are left behind for six months with family and it can be difficult for those left at home. They also play a role in service to the State.

This has a twofold benefit for the State. It is a proud tradition and it is good that we make a substantial contribution to the maintenance of international peace. After all, we are international citizens and it is important we live up to our obligations and responsibilities in this regard. There is no doubt that our participation in overseas missions by our soldiers greatly enhances the professional capacity and capabilities of the Defence Forces, which is not to be underestimated. It is a fantastic opportunity for our personnel to travel overseas and gain international experience working with other armed forces, learning and building knowledge all the time. I can see nothing but good coming from our participation in United Nations missions, so I look forward to our continued participation in such missions in future.

Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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I was late coming here this morning but I will be brief. I concur with the comments of Deputy Chambers and the Chairman and I fully support our troops serving around the world in the name of the United Nations. It is a long-term duty and people spend six months abroad. It is worrying for families when they see in what countries these people could serve and the changing circumstances around the world. We have just seen what happened in England and, having spoken to families, I know people are getting more worried. I know Irish soldiers are very well respected abroad, which is great. Anywhere we go, we always hear of the great respect that Irish soldiers enjoy.

I have some questions. What is the total cost to the Irish taxpayer of all the missions serving abroad? How many members of the Defence Forces are serving abroad? How many are abroad as we speak?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for a very comprehensive report. There was reference to the motion being placed on the Order Paper for Dáil Éireann. I respectfully suggest we seek some time, even if it is an hour or two, for the motion to be debated in the Dáil. Very often, there is ignorance of what the Defence Forces are about, the comprehensive duties they perform throughout the world and the reputation they have gained for the work they do. It benefits Ireland's reputation as well but it is very often forgotten. People ask why we have Defence Forces but there is a role we play in peacekeeping and promoting Ireland as a country that is concerned about the rest of the world. We are not just a little island in the Atlantic. We should not hide our light under a bushel on this issue. I would like to see time being given in the Dáil Chamber, allowing the Minister of State to present a formal report from this committee. It can be very rewarding.

There are small missions in different parts of the world, involving five, 12 or 20 people, which are so important for Ireland. The positive input of the Irish Defence Forces in promoting peace and stability cannot be bought. People often ask why we have the Defence Forces but this is every reason we have them. We spend enough money on other issues.

Every penny we spend on the Defence Forces is worthwhile, even to promote Ireland's role in peacekeeping. At a time when the world is upside down and there are conflicts all around it, it is important to tell it that there is a little country called Ireland which is helping to keep and promote peace. I congratulate the Minister of State on what is a comprehensive report. It should be placed on the Order Paper of the Dáil and time allocated to debate it. We should not be afraid to promote the Defence Forces at every opportunity.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Our remit is to consider the report. We cannot make recommendations, but perhaps each of us might recommend to our party Whip that we have a debate on the report. There would be a clear message and recognition of the work done by so many during the years. I know some families, three generations of which have served on overseas missions. Three and four members of one family have served with distinction abroad. Deputy Lisa Chambers and I will speak to our party Whip and perhaps the Minister of State and Deputies Seán Barrett and Noel Grealish might do the same because it is extremely we have a debate.

The Minister of State referred to the successful co-operation between the Irish and Finnish defence forces. Are there further plans to have a joint battalion? I presume such joint efforts lead to the achievement of financial efficiencies.

The issue of a gender balance among Defence Forces personnel serving abroad may need to be addressed. If the Minister of State does not have the figures readily available, he might come back to us with them.

Are there ongoing assessments of the security of our personnel when they travel to troubled locations?

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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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.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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This shows the wise decision taken some time ago which we continue to follow in respect of involvement with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, NATO. It is important that we perform peacekeeping roles and be seen to be totally independent. Rather than spending vast sums of money in supporting NATO, we are much better off spending our money on these missions, particularly smaller ones. The 12-man - when I use the word "man", I mean humans-----

Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Persons.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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They play an extraordinary role. When I was Minister for Defence, I had the pleasure to visit some of the places mentioned. Ireland Inc. is promoted by the personnel who serve on these missions and the heights they rise to in commanding some of them. It is a great boost to the Defence Forces to know that they are appreciated and that we know that personnel do not just march up and down a barrack yard every morning, wondering what they will do in the afternoon. It is important to sell this message. That is why having a debate in the Dáil is important.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State and his officials for attending, dealing comprehensively with the questions raised and giving us a very comprehensive report on the subject matter. I hope we will soon have an opportunity to discuss it in greater detail in the Dáil.