Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The Deputy misunderstands Ireland's participation in ISAF. The force has a UN mandate, one that has been renewed annually since 2001. The current mandate was extended until 13 October 2011 by Resolution 1943 and enjoys the support of the 48 participating ISAF countries. ISAF's goal is to help restore security in Afghanistan, which is crucial if normal life is to be restored for people who have suffered a long-term conflict and if there is to be broader regional stability. The Irish contingent consists of seven members of the Defence Forces who are based at ISAF's headquarters in Kabul in non-combatant roles. In addition, Ireland has deployed civilian personnel with the EU police training mission. Ireland is also devoting considerable effort to economic development and reconstruction. Since 2007, Irish Aid has allocated more than €24 million in relief, recovery and development assistance to Afghanistan. More generally, the EU spends close to €1 billion per year on various civilian, political and development activities.

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