Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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164. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which further overseas deployment of the Defence Forces with the UN are envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20810/14]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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165. To ask the Minister for Defence the degree to which the Navy and Air Corps have been involved in overseas deployment on foot of EU/UN missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20811/14]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.

As of 04 May 2014, Ireland is contributing approximately 410 Defence Forces personnel to 13 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 192 personnel, and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) with 135 Defence Forces personnel. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, 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. Due to Ireland’s own current level of commitment in overseas peacekeeping operations, notably to the United Nations Disengagement Force in Syria and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, we are not in a position to make any significant commitment to other missions at this time. The current contribution of some 410 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security. Details of the Naval Service and Air Corps personnel who have served overseas since 01 July 2013 are listed on the table. The Department does not deploy Naval Service or Air Corps assets overseas.

AS OF 04 MAY 2014

NAVAL SERVICE AND AIR CORPS PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS SINCE 01 JULY 2013