Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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13. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the role of Defence Force personnel serving with the EU Training Mission in Mali, EUTM Mali, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33874/16]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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My question concerns members of the Defence Forces serving in the EU training mission in Mali, which the Minister of State visited recently. He stated that they were an essential partner in the reconstruction of the Malian state and the main instrument for the reconstruction of its armed force. Why are Irish troops providing training and mentoring to the Malian armed forces when the same army has been responsible for well-documented human rights abuses during the civil war in 2012?

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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On 18 February 2013, at the request of the Malian authorities and in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2085 (2012), the European Union launched a training mission for Malian armed forces named EUTM Mali.

The objective of the mission is to train and mentor the Malian armed forces to improve their military capacity and their effectiveness in guaranteeing the country's territorial integrity. Training is also being provided in international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and human rights.

During my recent visit to Mali, I witnessed at first hand the significant contribution that Irish Defence Forces personnel are making to the mission. The Defence Forces have been participating in EUTM Mali since March 2013. Currently, Ireland is contributing 18 personnel to this mission - an increase of eight personnel over the last six months. A total of seven Irish personnel occupy staff appointments in the mission headquarters in Bamako and the remaining personnel are based in Koulikoro Training Centre. The mission is now completely integrated into the military training structure in Mali. EUTM Mali is recognised as an essential partner in the reconstruction of the Malian state and the main instrument for the reconstruction of its armed forces. Our continued participation in this mission supports Ireland's ongoing obligations to international peace and security and the commitment to maintaining the Defence Forces capabilities in international operations.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I wish the Irish soldiers and those on the UN mission in general well given that they have been under attack on a number of occasions since the mission started. My question, part of which the Minister of State alluded to, concerns the role of our soldiers in mentoring an army that has been found to have carried out such a level of human rights abuses. I note from the Minister of State's reply that part of the job of the mission is to provide mentoring in international humanitarian law and human rights. How successful has this been? How can it be undertaken? Is it intended to increase the number of Irish soldiers involved in that mission?

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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We will monitor on an ongoing basis whether there is to be any increase in personnel. If it is to be increased, I will, of course, inform the Deputy. The strategic review of the EUTM Mali mission was completed earlier this year. Following the review, the Council of the European Union approved EUTM Mali's third mandate in March 2016, which adopted the existing mandate and extended it by a period of two years through to May 2018. The objectives of the third mandate are training support for the benefit of the Malian armed forces, in which the Irish Defences Forces are very much involved; training and advice on command and control, logistical chain and human resources as well as training on international humanitarian law, protection of civilians and human rights; and a contribution upon Malian request and in co-ordination with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali to the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process framed by the peace agreement through the provision of training sessions in order to facilitate the reconstruction of inclusive Malian armed forces. I witnessed at first hand what our Irish personnel are doing on the ground, specifically training the Malian armed forces, and how difficult a job that can be. I can assure the Deputy that the job that Irish Defence Forces personnel are doing out there is crucial for the Malian armed forces and in stabilising that country.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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In respect of the crucial and important job that needs to be done in Mali and many other zones around the world, the question is whether it is appropriate for Irish soldiers to be in Mali and whether that contribution is valued and adds to the experience of the Irish army. Has consideration been given to the fact that Irish forces are there because the French, who were involved in many imperialist ventures in Africa over the centuries, requested that other armies go into Africa to pick up the pieces in areas where imperialist forces have been in the past? If there is an increase in the number of Irish soldiers is requested, I ask that at the very least there would be a major debate in the House, particularly given that it would be greater than what would have been allowed.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Our continued participation in this mission supports Ireland's ongoing obligations to international peace and security and the commitment to maintaining the Defence Forces' capabilities in international operations. I take the Deputy's views on board and I will keep him and the House informed if we are to increase membership.