Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Defence the changes in the rules of engagement applied to Irish soldiers participating in peace support operations compared to previous types of operations participated in by the Irish Defence Forces; the training that is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Forces in preparation for participation in PSOs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9865/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Rules of Engagement (ROEs) for peace support missions are based on the United Nations Security Council Resolution for the mission, the Concept of Operations and the Operation Plan. Accordingly, each peace support mission has ROEs specific to that mission. In general, the nature of the ROEs will depend on whether the mission is a UN Chapter VI type mission (peacekeeping), or a UN Chapter VII type mission (peace enforcement).

Members of the Irish Defence Forces have served on missions under Chapter VI and Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

Peacekeeping operations mounted under Chapter VI are of the traditional type such as when we were deployed in UNIFIL, where the UN acts as a monitoring, patrolling and observing force after peace has been established.

Under Chapter VII the UN Security Council is mandated to take whatever action "as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security". Peacekeeping operations mounted under this Chapter are commonly known as peace enforcement operations where the consent of the parties is not required. In recent years in response to the requirement for a more robust mandate, there has been a significant increase in the deployment of peacekeeping troops under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. EUFOR TCHAD/RCA, UNMIL, KFOR, EUFOR/BiH and ISAF are recent examples.

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. Pre-deployment 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.