Written answers

Tuesday, 6 October 2009

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Co-operation

9:00 pm

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 935: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to encourage cooperation between the Defence Forces with Argentina; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33879/09]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Insofar as opportunities arise in the discharge of their duties, the Defence Forces have my support for the development of international contacts and friendly relations with the armed services of other States.

Such contact with the Argentinean services is particularly welcome and is entirely consistent with the historic links between our nations. The Defence Forces have a very good relationship with the Argentinean Military primarily through the Admiral Brown Naval connection. The achievements of Admiral William Brown, originally from Foxford, Co. Mayo, as founder of the Argentine Navy and a key contributor to national independence, has led to a number of mutual naval service visits in recent years.

The Argentine Naval Sail Training Vessel the ARA Libertad visited Dublin in June this year, and 100 Argentine Naval Cadets, along with the Acting Argentine Ambassador to Ireland, visited Foxford, Co Mayo in connection with Admiral Brown on 18 June. Lt Gen Earley visited Argentina as part of an Irish delegation in 2007.

The Defence Forces and the Argentinean Armed Forces are developing an exchange training programme. An Irish officer attended a course in Argentina in September 2008. Opportunities for return visits by Argentinean Officers are being explored.

The Argentine Armed Forces have served in various peace keeping / enforcing missions around the world including United Nations Truce Supervision Organization where they served with members of the Defence Forces. The Argentine Armed Forces also served with United Nations Peace keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Stabilisation Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (SFOR) and as observers with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

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