Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 549: To ask the Minister for Defence the nature of the work being carried out by members of the International Security Assistance Force that are members of the Irish Defence Forces; and when this work will be complete and if he is satisfied that this work is justified given the political state of Afghanistan [37676/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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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. Ireland has participated in the NATO–led UN mandated mission 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 2002, 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 29 June 2010, the Government agreed to continue to provide seven members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with ISAF for a further period from July 2010, subject to ongoing review by the Minister for Defence. I am satisfied that the work carried out by the Defence Forces personnel in ISAF represents an important contribution to this UN mandated mission. The seven Irish personnel currently participating in ISAF, comprising 4 Officers and 3 Non-Commissioned Officers, are located in ISAF Headquarters in Kabul. The Irish personnel work in staff appointments in planning and administrative roles. Irish personnel are rotated every 6 months.