Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Defence the way he proposes to mark the 50th anniversary of Ireland's involvement in peacekeeping operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25850/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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A number of ceremonies were held last Thursday, 26th June, in barracks across the country and at overseas missions commemorating the 50th anniversary of Ireland's involvement in peacekeeping operations.

I attended the ceremony held in McKee barracks in Dublin which featured a military parade consisting of members of the Army, the Air Corps, the Naval Service, the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and the Irish UN Veterans' Association. Invited guests at the ceremony included the Lord Mayor of Dublin, spokespersons on Defence, former Ministers and Chiefs of Staff, distinguished veterans and veterans from the first mission. The ceremony was also addressed by An Taoiseach who recognised the contribution made by many Irish servicemen and women on all tours of duty served since 1958. An Taoiseach laid a wreath in memory of the 85 soldiers who lost their lives while serving abroad.

During the ceremony, the Chairman of An Post launched a special commemorative stamp featuring a photo of the first five Defence Force Officers to deploy on a UN mission. A special edition of an Cosantóir and the Defence Forces Review were issued.