Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has had discussions with his EU or UN colleagues in the matter of peace keeping or peace enforcement in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16119/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have regular discussions with my colleagues, particularly in an EU context but also bilaterally and at UN fora, on issues relating to international peace and security. The monthly meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council provide regular opportunities in which to consider crises which may arise and the response of the European Union and the wider international community. The Council is also the body which takes decisions in relation to the EU's crisis management actions, such as the launching of new EU missions or significant changes to the 11 existing European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) missions - 9 of which are civilian operations.

Officials of my Department and the Department of Defence also hold discussions, from time to time, with like-minded countries, including in relation to the 13 different UN-mandated peace-keeping and peace enforcement missions on which members of the Defence Forces are currently deployed.