Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

27. To ask the Minister for Defence when Defence Forces personnel currently participating in ISAF will be withdrawn from Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41252/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland has participated in the NATO–led UN mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since 5 July 2002. The Government has reviewed and approved, on an annual basis, the continued participation of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF. There are currently seven (7) personnel serving with the force and they are all located in ISAF HQ, Kabul and work in staff appointments in planning and administrative roles. The overall drawdown of ISAF personnel is currently underway and the withdrawal of the Defence Forces personnel will be coordinated in this context. Irish personnel will complete their service with the mission in December 2014.

The proposed NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, post 2014, will be a follow on training advisory and assistance mission in support of the Afghan National Security Forces capacity building. The question of Ireland contributing to the follow on mission in Afghanistan is currently being considered in the context of what other contributing countries are planning. Any participation by Ireland in the follow on training mission will be subject to Government approval.

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

28. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to withdraw the seven Irish soldiers currently stationed in Afghanistan on 31 December 2014, as there will be mainly only US troops left on that date making the Irish soldiers much more vulnerable as the Taliban insurgents will seek to overthrow the western supported government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41262/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland has participated in the NATO–led UN mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since 5 July 2002. Seven members of the Permanent Defence Force are currently serving in the mission headquarters. The ISAF mission is due to conclude on 31 December 2014 and the overall drawdown of ISAF personnel is currently underway. The withdrawal of the Defence Forces personnel will be coordinated in the context of the overall drawdown of the mission however it is expected that Irish personnel will complete their service with the mission on 31 December 2014.

The risks posed to all Irish personnel deployed on overseas missions are constantly monitored as part of the Defence Forces risk management process. The situation in Afghanistan will continue to be monitored by the Defence Forces.

The proposed NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, post 2014, will be a follow on training advisory and assistance mission in support of the Afghan National Security Forces capacity building. The question of Ireland contributing to the follow on mission in Afghanistan is currently being considered in the context of what other contributing countries are planning. Any participation by Ireland in the follow on training mission will be subject to Government approval.