Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I too wish the Minister for Defence and our Defence Forces who are about to be deployed to Liberia, the very best of luck and a safe passage while they are there. They deserve great praise. They are great people and I have the greatest admiration for those who go on peacekeeping missions. However, this is a little bit more than peacekeeping. Senator Hayes has pointed out the difference between peacekeeping and peace enforcement. This, according to the Minister's speech, will be more a peace enforcement than a than a peacekeeping mission for our troops. The Minister said in his speech that the proposed Irish contingent:

will comprise a motorised infantry battalion of some 430 personnel and a small number of additional personnel who will be deployed at force headquarters and as military observers. The Irish contingent will operate as the force commander's rapid reaction force. They will provide an immediate response capability deployable in sufficient strength and with the required level of force to provide the swift and decisive military reaction to any crisis situation.

Quite clearly the Irish troops who are going on this mission will be in very dangerous territory.

I am delighted with the Minister's speech. He has made every effort to provide for the health and well-being of the battalion while it is in Liberia. This need is paramount and was well explained by Senator Minihan. It is difficult for an ordinary person such as myself to envisage the difficulties entailed in peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions but, having listened to Senator Minihan, I can imagine the difficulties encountered. I am delighted the Minister has taken all necessary precautions to provide for our soldiers while they are overseas. They deserve great credit.

Everyone knows of someone who has been a casualty of a peacekeeping mission. Great trauma has been experienced by soldiers who were injured and by the families and friends of those who were killed. It is important the State and the agencies responsible for making the necessary provisions ensure that the needs of our armed forces and their families are provided for while they are on peacekeeping missions of two or three years.