Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Defence if particular lessons have been learned from the most recent overseas deployments of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43099/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Defence Forces continue to make major contributions to international peace keeping through its participation in overseas Peace Support Operations (PSOs). In the course of these operations and based on the Defence Forces extensive experience many lessons have been identified and learned.

Following all deployments overseas a detailed "After Action Review" is carried out by the Defence Forces to identify lessons learned. Lessons learned are then factored into Defence Forces planning, doctrine and training for future operations. Lessons learned cover the full spectrum inter alia: pre-deployment training, equipment, logistics, operations, tactics, techniques and procedures etc. The process involves continuous assessment, as lessons learned and changes implemented are evaluated and revaluated on an ongoing basis.