Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to acknowledge or mark the actions of Irish troops with KFOR on 17 and 18 March 2004, as outlined in the Defence Forces annual report 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25618/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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KFOR was established on 10 June 1999 in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244 for an initial period of 12 months, to continue thereafter unless the UN Security Council decides otherwise. The role of KFOR is to support the maintenance of civil law and order within Kosovo so as to develop a climate of safety and security, which will enable the transfer of increased responsibility to the civil authorities. Ireland has participated in the KFOR since August 1999.

The Deputy is referring to the actions of members of the 27th infantry group of the Defence Forces, who were serving in Kosovo at the time of the serious outbreak of violence in March 2004. A major contribution was made by Irish personnel in protecting Serb enclaves in and around Pristina. In holding the line against overwhelming numbers of Kosovan Albanians, the Irish Defence Forces saved numerous lives and the homes of Serb families from certain destruction. In addition, members of the Defence Forces based in KFOR headquarters, on their own initiative, and at no little risk to their own safety went into Pristina at the height of the disturbances and evacuated over 340 Serbians to safety, without doubt saving their lives in the process.

The actions of the Defence Force personnel highlight the professionalism of our Irish personnel in the roles that they conduct at home and abroad on a daily basis. Letters of commendation were awarded to 18 Irish personnel by the commanding general of the multi-national brigade centre, in whose brigade these Irish personnel serve, for their actions during the course of the disturbances. The commendations were for leadership, initiative and brave participation in the rescue team, which included other nationalities as well.

I am advised by the military authorities that there are no plans to mark the actions of Defence Forces personnel with KFOR on 17 and 18 March 2004. However, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the bravery and professionalism shown by the 27th infantry company group of the Defence Forces who were in Kosovo at the time of the disturbances.