Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am in receipt of regular updates. Officials from my Department are in regular contact with the military authorities and I receive military advice on the security situation in Mali at the time of deployment. As stated by Deputy Crowe, this is a UN mission but Ireland is partaking in the international community response to the shooting of innocent people on a daily basis in Mali. Peacekeeping is a core element of Ireland's foreign policy, derived from our commitment with the UN member states to building and strengthening global peace and protecting human rights and the rule of law.

That is exactly what members of the ARW are doing with MINUSMA in Mali. MINUSMA is the United Nations' response and provides support for the Malian Government in reasserting its authority in northern Mali. As I stated, MINUSMA was established in 2013 and has made a real difference on the ground in Mali. I had the opportunity earlier this year to sit down with the force commander to discuss the mission and Ireland's participation in it.

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