Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not sure I agree with the Deputy's assessment. Ireland has participated in the NATO–led UN mandated International Security Assistance Force, ISAF, in Afghanistan since 5 July 2002. Seven members of the Permanent Defence Force are currently serving in the mission headquarters. The ISAF mission is due to conclude on 31 December 2014 when Afghani National Security Forces will take over full responsibility for security within Afghanistan. NATO will lead a follow on training and support operation called resolute support mission with effect from 1 January 2015.

Defence force participation in all overseas missions is reviewed on an ongoing basis. The overall drawdown of ISAF personnel is currently under way and the withdrawal of the Defence Force personnel will be co-ordinated in this context. Irish personnel will complete their service with the ISAF mission in December 2014, which is when the ISAF mission ends.

The proposed NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, post 2014, will be a follow-on training advisory and assistance mission in support of the Afghan National Security Forces capacity building. The question of Ireland's contributing to the follow-on mission in Afghanistan is being considered in the context of what other contributing countries are planning. Any participation by Ireland in the follow-on training mission will be subject to Government approval.

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