Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 508: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Irish troops are still serving in Afghanistan, even though the United Nations mandate for the presence of troops in Afghanistan has now expired; and if he will indicate whether there are plans to bring this Irish mission to an end. [12917/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The United Nations mandate for the presence of troops with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan has been renewed on an annual basis since December 2001. The current mandate was extended until 12 October 2010 by Resolution 1890 (2009) adopted by the Security Council on 8 October 2009. This Resolution not only authorised the Member States participating in ISAF to take all necessary measures to fulfil its mandate but called upon UN Member States to contribute personnel to this mission.

A contingent of seven members of the Irish Defence Forces is participating in the ISAF mission. They are based at ISAF Headquarters in Kabul in non-combatant roles. The Government intends to retain its contingent with ISAF, consistent with UN Security Council Resolutions.