Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

Participation by our troops in individual missions will be agreed through our national decision-making process on a case-by-case basis. A UN mandate will be a prerequisite for participation in a battle group peace support operation, as is currently the case. Battle groups are another vehicle within which Ireland can continue to play a role and contribute to effective action in support of international peace and security. They are a further way of expressing our commitment to the UN and its principles.

The UN is asking the State to continue to make the expert commitment of its Defence Forces available, including through EU battle groups. A failure to do so would mean a departure from the traditional policy of full support for the UN. Such battle groups are an additional way to contribute to peace support and the international rule of law and they are not a replacement for the traditional large scale "blue-hat" missions such as those in Liberia and the Lebanon. They are the logical extension of such missions.

The Defence Forces have never been better trained, equipped or motivated. A total of 850 personnel are available for UN service overseas and, as of 2 June, approximately 680 troops were serving abroad. The largest deployments are in Liberia, Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Smaller numbers of troops serve as liaisons and observers on a range of missions in Israel, the Congo and Sudan. With most tours of duty lasting six months, almost 1,500 troops will serve abroad this year. Furthermore, our Defence Forces have never been better resourced. Spending has increased from €566 million in 1995 to €957 million this year. Furthermore, an unprecedented and sustained investment programme in new facilities has been undertaken since 1997 while almost €200 million has been spent on new buildings and more than €320 million has been invested in new equipment. Some time ago, the Minister and his predecessor came in for a great deal of flak for selling off surplus land and buildings. However, they decided to re-invest the money in the Defence Forces. It was a wise decision as it allowed the Government to modernise Defence Forces equipment.

I refer to the performance of the Defence Forces at the Easter Rising ceremony at the GPO. They made all of us proud of their professionalism. Section 8 provides that approval for Security Council resolutions must be provided by the Government and the Dáil. However, traditionally, the Seanad was required to give similar approval. Will the Minister clarify this issue when he replies? I compliment the Minister and the Defence Forces, especially members who have served overseas. Senator Minihan is a former member and he served with great distinction abroad on behalf of the State. Many people have made a contribution in their own small way, particularly as members of the FCA. I was a member of the FCA for five years and I enjoyed it immensely. We received good training under the guidance and care of a number of outstanding and professional Army officers. I commend the legislation to the House and I wish the Minister well in his brief.