Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 745: To ask the Minister for Defence his future intentions on overseas service in view of the decision not to participate in the planned overseas mission to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15579/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has offered, through the UN Standby Arrangements System (UNSAS), to provide up to 850 military personnel for overseas service at any one time. This figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army (excluding Reserves) and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. This is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations.

Ireland is currently contributing 754 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently (as of 01 April 2010) serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement attached.

Because of the significant uncertainty as to the extension of the UN mandate post 15 May 2010, the imminent onset of the rainy season and on advice from the military authorities, the Government had no choice but to decide on 30 March 2010 to withdraw the Irish contingent from the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT). The Defence Forces have since commenced their withdrawal from MINURCAT, which is scheduled to be completed by early June 2010. Also, this month sees the draw-down of Irish personnel from NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo from the current 232 personnel to 40 (approximately) in line with the budgetary expenditure reductions announced in December 2009.

Following the withdrawal of the MINURCAT contingent, it is intended to take some time to allow the Defence Forces to undertake necessary and extensive maintenance of equipment and to allow personnel some time off before examining further options for Defence Forces overseas operations.

With regard to future deployments, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular request, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a political solution, consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy and the degree of risk involved are amongst the factors considered.

TO BE INSERTED TOMORROW