Seán Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 360: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way, regarding the development of a conflict resolution unit announced in June 2007, existing Irish mediators will be involved in the new conflict resolution unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6404/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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It is my firm view that if Ireland is to play a more active role in international conflict prevention and resolution, it will be necessary to mobilise the conflict resolution expertise that already exists in the country. Placing our experts within international agencies or in conflict related programmes and projects will allow Ireland to extend its reach on conflict resolution and contribute further to international efforts to resolve conflicts.

Drawing on the very positive experience of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps, which has seen Irish expertise successfully deployed to the benefit of those suffering in humanitarian crises, I intend establishing a database of experts in conflict-related activities who are willing to be placed temporarily, under the aegis of the Government, with international agencies or in conflict related programmes and projects. I would expect that those involved will be drawn from a wide field of activities including peacekeeping, development, academic research and analysis.

In setting up the database, my Department will of course consult with Irish people and organisations with expertise in this area. We will benefit from their experience, and the experience of setting up the Rapid Response Corps, in putting the process in place. Officials from my Department will also liaise with the international agencies with whom experts might be placed in order to determine international best practices in this regard.