Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

We have 460 troops in Liberia where we were requested by the UN Secretary General to maintain a very strong troop complement. The Government has agreed to do so. Our rules oblige us not to have more than 850 members of the Defence Forces out of the country at any one time. We are participating in operations in Liberia, Kosovo, Bosnia, Afghanistan and the Congo at this time, which means we have reached our limit and are fulfilling our obligations under UN agreements.

Regarding the initiative, confirmed today, taken by the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, this team of specialists will be available to study all regions where support is needed and, if necessary, visit and actively engage in them. The Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, and his team will continue to liaise with NGOs and our diplomatic teams around the world and, where necessary, our specialists will be available to assist in humanitarian operations.

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