Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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32. To ask the Minister for Defence if he will ensure that overseas Irish peacekeeping troops are deployed in such numbers as to ensure their safety and sustainability; his views that this applies in all such instances at present such as in the Golan Heights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34567/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The White Paper on Defence, published in February 2000, commits the Government to sustaining the overall level of Ireland's contribution to peacekeeping, while developing a more selective approach to future requests from the United Nations having regard to the number, size, nature and complexity of its current peacekeeping operations.

Requests from the UN for Irish participation in new missions are dealt with under the United Nations Stand-by Arrangements System (UNSAS) on a case-by-case basis. Among the factors taken into account by Ireland when considering any particular request are the following:

- The degree of risk involved;

- The extent to which the required skills or characteristics relate to Irish capabilities;

- Whether the operation is adequately resourced;

- The level of existing commitments to peacekeeping operations and security requirements at home.

The decision by Government to send troops overseas is never taken lightly. The safety of all Irish Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions is always a concern to me, my Government colleagues and to the military authorities. Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and we continually review both personal equipment and force assets, to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfill their roles. I am satisfied that appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.

Troops selected for overseas service, including those currently deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) mission, undergo a rigorous programme of mission specific training, which included Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear training. Such training, which is updated on an ongoing basis in the light of increased threat, has been designed to allow Defence Force personnel to carry out their tasks and to provide for their protection. Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the roles assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission.

The Government and I place high importance on the valuable work being done by the Defence Forces serving with UNDOF in the challenging operating conditions they face in the region and in other missions throughout the world.