Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The current quick reaction force comprises Irish and Swedish troops. The Liberian authorities and the UN have asked us to continue our involvement for a further six months to enable the UN to develop an alternative quick reaction force. The Swedish Government has declined but we are disposed to accept the request, although I have not yet recommended such a course to the Government. I understand that the replacement for the Swedish element of the contingent will be trained to take over the duties of the entire Irish-Swedish contingent.

On Deputy Timmons's second question, even if the Government accepts my recommendation to deploy for a further six months, we made it clear at the 24 April meeting in New York that we will end our involvement by May 2007.

I am aware of the disturbing reports of sexual abuse raised by the Deputy. While UNMIL has established a unit to investigate the reports, I am glad to confirm that no Irish personnel are involved.

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