Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 543: To ask the Minister for Defence his involvement in the cold response exercises due to be held in Norway from 18 February to 5 March 2010; and the number of military personnel that will be involved. [4814/10]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Cold Response 2010 is a multinational training exercise with the Norwegian Armed forces, focused on cold weather maritime/amphibious operations, interoperability of expeditionary forces, and special and conventional ground operations. The exercise will be held in Norway from 18 February 2010 to 5 Mach 2010. Participants from fourteen (14) nations, comprising 8,900, personnel will take part in this exercise. The exercise is based on a major NATO led Crisis Management Operation mandated by the UN Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

The Irish Defence Forces will not be participating in this exercise. On receipt of an invitation from the Norwegian Military Authorities, I have approved the attendance of two Defence Force officers at the Distinguished Visitors Day, which will take place between 23 and 24 February 2010.