Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces will continue to have ready access to training alongside the EU or UN for peace making or peacekeeping initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43095/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Defence Forces receive ongoing training to enable them to participate fully in UN, EU and other missions overseas. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training, designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Predeployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated on an ongoing basis in the light of any changes in the threat assessment or mission requirements. I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel serving overseas will continue to receive the necessary training to enable them to carry out their duties in a professional manner.