Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Ireland's commitment to the headline goal consists of an offer of up to 850 members of the Defence Forces from within our existing commitment of 850 personnel to the United Nations Standby Arrangements System, UNSAS. I stress that the commitment to the headline goal should not be interpreted as an additional commitment of the Defence Forces to overseas operations. Any new commitments to the 2010 headline goal will be from within these arrangements. I have no plans to change the arrangements for Ireland's contribution to this commitment or the headline goal.

Ireland's commitment to international peacekeeping, humanitarian and crisis management operations represents some 10% of our Army and is not an inconsiderable undertaking by any standard. It is worth noting that 740 members of the Defence Forces are deployed overseas making significant contributions to Kosovo and the United Nations Mission in Liberia. I am delighted the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, will this week meet members of the Defence Forces who have contributed to our proud record of participation on peacekeeping operations overseas.

See this speech in context