Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, authorising the establishment of the International Security Assistance Force, ISAF, in Afghanistan. On 9 October 2012, the UN Security Council extended ISAF’s mandate for a further year until October 2013.

Ireland has participated in the NATO–led, UN-mandated mission in Afghanistan since 5 July 2002, following the Government decision of 2 July 2002 authorising the provision of seven members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the force. The continued participation by seven members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF is reviewed annually by the Government.

The most recent decision by the Government was taken on 26 June 2012 when it agreed to continue to provide seven members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the ISAF for a further period from July 2012, subject to ongoing review by the Minister for Defence. The seven Defence Forces personnel participating in the ISAF are all located in ISAF HQ in Kabul and work in planning and administrative roles. The work being carried out by Defence Forces personnel, particularly by those involved in the counter improvised explosive device, C-IED, cell, represents an important contribution to this UN-mandated mission. Planning for the drawdown in respect of the ISAF generally is ongoing and the withdrawal of the Defence Forces personnel from the mission will be co-ordinated within the context of the overall ISAF drawdown plan.

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