Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 158 together.

Currently, a total of 486 Defence Forces personnel are serving overseas, full details of which are listed in the following statement.

Ireland has offered, through the UN Standby Arrangements System (UNSAS), to provide up to 850 military personnel, configured as a light infantry mounted battalion, for overseas service at any one time. This figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army (excluding Reserves) and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. This is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations. There are no plans at this time to increase the level of our commitment to UNSAS.

Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. In response to an EU request in 2007, Ireland agreed to participate in the UN mandated EU-led mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR TCHAD/RCA, When the deployment of the Irish contingent of some 450 personnel is completed at the end of next month, we will have reached the limit of our sustainable commitments. No further such requests have been received.