Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On 26 February 2013, the Government approved the deployment of approximately eight members of the Permanent Defence Force to Mali. The Irish contribution to the mission comprises three officers and five non-commissioned officers, with one officer deployed to the mission headquarters in Bamako and another two to the training camp headquarters. The remaining six personnel are deployed in Koulikoro and form part of the joint infantry training team with the UK armed forces.

I am not aware of any comments made yesterday in Brussels, but I have no doubt they will come to the attention of the Department. The extension of time will be for the consideration of the Minister of the day.

See this speech in context