Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I receive any updates required, bearing in mind circumstances as they evolve. I am maintaining a continuing interest and closely monitoring what is happening.

In reply to Deputy O'Sullivan, we have small numbers of members of the Deafens Forces located in different parts of the world engaged in UN authorised missions and they are performing important and useful functions. In parts of the world where we have very small numbers it is members of the Irish Defence forces who are in important command positions with regard to missions involving troops from other countries.

We have seven members of the Defence Forces in Afghanistan. Their work is substantially in the administrative areas but our forces there have done important work with regard to improvised explosive devices. We have substantial expertise in this country in that area. They have been engaged in training other troops as to how improvised explosive devises can be neutralised. It is work directly focused on saving lives. It is very important work, and I know the members of our Defence Forces in Afghanistan are held in high regard. The work they do is a genuine contribution to trying to end conflict and to protect innocent individuals from the dangers posed by those sort of advices.

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