Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of Irish troops currently serving in Kosovo; if he is satisfied with all arrangements for their safety and security having regard to the expected unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6325/08]

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 (UNSCR) 1244, for an initial period of twelve months, to continue thereafter unless the UN Security Council decides otherwise. KFOR's mandate is to establish a secure environment in Kosovo conducive to the implementation of refugee return and reconstruction. KFOR has a current strength of approximately 15,000 troops drawn from 24 NATO countries and 11 non-NATO countries including Ireland, Austria, Finland and Sweden.

KFOR operates under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, that is, it is entitled to use force to implement its mandate and to protect itself and the international civil presence.

Ireland has participated in KFOR since August 1999. The total number of Irish troops currently serving in Kosovo is 285. The figure is broken down as follows:

37th Infantry Group — 217

Headquarters Staff — 11

Framework Nation Staff — 57

The Irish (37th) Infantry Group, currently serves in the Multi-National Task Force (Centre) — MNTF (C) — with Ireland as current lead nation. In addition to Ireland, the Task Force also comprises troops from the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Sweden, Finland and Latvia. The Task Force's area of responsibility is generally the Pristina region, covering 7 municipalities with a population of approximately 1 million. The Irish commitment comprises a MOWAG mounted APC Company together with support and logistic elements and various HQ personnel.

In August 2007, Ireland assumed responsibility as Framework Nation for the Multinational Task Force Centre (MNTF (C)) in KFOR for a period of 12 months and additional Defence Forces personnel were deployed to KFOR, for the Framework Nation period. Brigadier General Gerry Hegarty from the Defence Forces assumed command of the MNTF (C) when Ireland took on the framework nation role commanding 1,200 troops from 6 nations. Currently 57 Irish Defence Forces personnel serve with the Framework Nation.

I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving in KFOR. They are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. I can assure the House that ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and we continually review both personal equipment and force assets, to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles. No mission is without danger, but I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving in KFOR.

On 17 February 2008, the Kosovo Assembly adopted a resolution which declares Kosovo to be independent. The EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) of 18 February agreed a common EU response to the declaration of independence, which amongst other important provisions recalled the EU's commitments contained in the European Conclusions of 14 December 2007, as well as the agreement to Joint Actions establishing an ESDP Police and Rule of Law mission and appointing an EU Special Representative in Kosovo. The conclusions also stated that the EU will continue to cooperate with the UN, KFOR, OSCE and other international actors in order to preserve stability in the region.

I was speaking to Brigadier General Gerry Hegarty earlier this morning and he informed me that the situation in Kosovo, following this declaration remains relatively calm. KFOR troops are on standby and patrolling.