Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank and compliment our Defence Forces at home and those abroad on peacekeeping missions. The small size of the Defence Forces and the economic circumstances of the Irish State are factors that must be considered with regard to our defence capability and deployment. Ireland is not in a position to participate in self-funded operations. It has a limited number of personnel available for overseas operations, as the Minister well knows. Similar to other states, Ireland retains a national command of Defence Forces personnel when on UN operations. However, Irish participation has always been based on the premise that full operational command in the field must reside with the force commander or head of mission, as appropriate. Participation in the NATO-led, albeit UN-mandated, operations covered in part by this motion, placed Irish troops under the de facto command of NATO for the first time. There are significant legal and constitutional difficulties involved in the command and-or control of Irish forces by non-Defence Forces personnel. Successive Governments to date, including the Minister himself, have quietly ignored these issues. I would be very grateful if the Minister could clarify the Government's position on such profound matters. I once again thank our Defence Forces for their excellent and unwavering sense of duty, particularly the people who leave their homes, go abroad and put themselves in harm's way as part of peacekeeping operations.

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