Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to criticisms voiced at the PDFORRA annual conference that the training and planning for Irish troops embarking on overseas deployment is poor; if his attention has further been drawn to the very real problems this can cause; his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31996/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the military authorities that the current training for overseas deployment follows a specific training syllabus developed for such missions. Each syllabus is based on comprehensive studies carried out by a number of specialist staffs of each mission area after reconnaissance. All recommendations of these staffs are incorporated into the syllabus and the troops trained accordingly.

I am further advised that these syllabi are reviewed after each deployment and updated. All lessons learned are incorporated into training syllabi to ensure that troops are kept abreast of any developments and requirements in the mission area. All standards applied are in keeping with best international practice and are the subject of frequent and rigorous reviews in order to ensure that the Permanent Defence Force pre-mission training remains at the highest level.