Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

In answer to Deputy Costello, the people negotiating the composition and operation in practice of the battle groups are examining all those issues at present. Obviously, there will always be a lead-up time. Something will be happening which will require the United Nations to approach the EU for assistance. The EU can decide in what form it will provide that assistance, whether by organising a traditional-type United Nations force or by deploying one of its battle groups, depending on the circumstances of the case.

I agree with Deputy Costello that it certainly makes it potentially less rapid than it otherwise would be if we must wait for a Security Council resolution because such resolutions are not always readily and easily forthcoming. Nevertheless, it is the Government's policy that we will not deploy troops in the absence of a Security Council resolution.

We will have a system, which is within our power, of recalling the Dáil to debate the matter, for example, if it is during a recess, and of convening a quick meeting of the Government to debate the matter.

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