Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I welcome the decision by the Minister to extend Irish involvement in UNMIL until May 2007 but can he confirm that the deployment will not continue beyond that date, regardless of whether further requests are received? Is he satisfied that the mission has sufficient manpower, in light of its extension? If I understood the Minister correctly, elements of the quick reaction force now have to deploy in Freetown. I commend Irish Defence Forces personnel on their involvement in the security arrangements for the upcoming trial of Mr. Charles Taylor.

A report was recently published which outlined abuses by UN personnel in Liberia. Can the Minister confirm that Irish personnel are not involved in these abuses and can he enlighten me further on any aspect of the matter?

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