Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his reply. My question does not imply that I am in any way opposed to our troops being deployed in Kosovo as long as their operation is in accordance with the legislation. The new Bill published today states "International United Nations Force" means "an international force or body established, mandated, authorised, endorsed, supported, approved or otherwise sanctioned by a resolution of the Security Council or the General Assembly of the United Nations".

I must point out to the Minister that of the words in that definition, only "established" is in the original 1960 Act, which makes provision for the deployment of an Irish contingent abroad only if the United Nations Assembly or Security Council establishes the force. The Minister already admitted that KFOR is in charge of the force in Kosovo, that it was not established by the United Nations but that it was authorised. However, "authorised" is not in the Act.

The Minister corrects the situation in the new Bill by including "established, mandated, authorised, endorsed". Clearly in the new legislation, the Minister admits he was wrong all along. The Minister must clarify——

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