Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces and military authorities are reviewing the threat assessment in Afghanistan in view of recent violent incidents there; the roles and functions carried out by Irish troops serving in Afghanistan; if security measures there have been stepped up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42169/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has participated in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since 5 July 2002, following the Government Decision of 2 July 2002, authorising the provision of seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the force. Since then, the Government has reviewed and approved, on an annual basis, the continued participation by seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF.

On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, authorising the establishment of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan for six months. NATO assumed the lead in ISAF on 11 August 2003. In October 2003 the UN Security Council extended the authorisation of ISAF to cover all of Afghanistan. On 8 October 2009 the UN Security Council extended the current mandate for twelve months beyond 13 October 2009 under Resolution 1890. The seven Irish personnel, comprising 4 Officers and 3 Non Commissioned Officers, serving with the force are currently located in the two ISAF Headquarters in Kabul. The Irish personnel work in staff appointments in planning and administrative roles.

The threat assessment for all theatres of operations where Defence Forces personnel are deployed is constantly reviewed and updated by the Defence Forces. The security situation in Afghanistan requires constant vigilance. The Commander of ISAF constantly monitors the security situation and directs changes to the force's security measures when and if they are required. In addition, the security situation in Kabul is closely monitored by the Defence Forces and the level of threat to Defence Forces personnel serving there is constantly reviewed. Armoured protection vehicles and other additional security measures have been provided to the Irish Defence Forces personnel serving in Kabul and other security measures in relation to routes and travel have also been taken.