Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

On the matter raised by Deputy Ó Snodaigh, there is adequate opportunity at meetings of the defence committee to discuss the very small contingents of the Defence Forces who go abroad on various missions. There is no need for the time of the House to be taken up in circumstances where perhaps one or two members of the Defence Forces are participating in a UN organised mission abroad. The numbers are too small and there is absolute transparency in arrangements of that nature. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality is the appropriate structure within which to discuss them.

I read Colonel Ahern's article. That mission occurred prior to my appointment as Minister for Defence but there were matters referred to in respect of members of our Defence Forces which give rise to concern. I had an interest in the defence area and certain difficulties did arise in the course of that mission. I am aware from reading general materials, although not as Minister for Defence at the time, that there were suggestions of some difficulties. It is vital that there is a co-ordinated command structure for any UN mission and that there is full co-operation between the different forces located in an area. We have a particular interest in ensuring that and I will do what I can, as Minister for Defence, to ensure difficulties of the type described do not recur in any mission in which our forces are engaged.

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