Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

The Minister's substitute last week, the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, indicated it was the Minister's view that the long-term sustainability of Ireland's current level of commitment to overseas peacekeeping activities at officer level, which currently stands at 140, is "open to question." Will the Minister outline the specific reasons this level of commitment cannot be sustained in the future? What are his plans for officers who are currently deployed on overseas missions? What specific tasks does he want them to undertake, other than those now being carried out on peace missions? Is all this an excuse to get more officers to desk jobs with many of the international organisations in which the Defence Forces are represented, as opposed to doing work on specific missions to which Ireland is committed?

If the RACO conference is anything to go by, a conflict is clearly emerging between the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers and the Government on future plans for officers. We are told that a review of Ireland's overseas commitments and the resources those missions draw from the Defence Forces is being carried out, specifically addressing the role of officers. To what extent will officers be consulted in this process?

While this issue may not be pertinent to the motion, it is something we will have to bear in mind and it is a subject the Minister cannot duck. I will return to this matter when the Minister faces questions shortly.

Turning to the situation in Liberia, the House will be aware of the recent disturbances that have broken out following the outcome of that country's presidential election in October. The defeated candidate, the former international soccer star, George Weah, who is linked to former President, Charles Taylor, is stirring up trouble in an effort to destabilise the installation of Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who was victorious in the election.

The situation in the country is extremely volatile, with Mr. Weah promising to block the inauguration of the new president, despite international observers having generally concluded that the elections were fair. There were serious clashes in Monrovia on Sunday night between police and Mr. Weah's supporters following a rally he held that day. This is the situation Irish troops will face when they arrive in Liberia to support those members of UNMIL already stationed there. I note that the Minister, Deputy O'Dea, has already indicated that a serious security crisis is likely during the troops' term of service in Liberia.

As these Irish troops are being deployed specifically to provide security for the special court established to consider war crimes, and to assist in the apprehension and detention of Mr. Taylor should he return to Liberia, it seems inevitable that they will face a highly dangerous situation. The Minister has indicated it is general policy that deployments of Defence Forces operate for a specific period, but for how long does he expect these troops to be stationed in Liberia and what will their main functions be?

The UN Secretary General indicated previously that the UNMIL mission may be downsized in early spring 2006. Is that still the case? Or is it the case that the potential threat of violence posed by those still loyal to Charles Taylor, the establishment of this special court and the need for security services to be provided, mean UNMIL's remit will be extended ever further? If so, this is not the last time we will meet to discuss the deployment of more Irish troops to Liberia.

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