Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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14. To ask the Minister for Defence in view of the human suffering and human rights abuses taking place in Darfur and in Congo DRC, if this is an area where Irish troops could make a real difference in terms of peace-keeping missions. [1206/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces have a long association with peacekeeping missions in Africa. The work carried out by Irish personnel deployed with such missions represents an important contribution to the peace and security of the region. Ireland is currently contributing four personnel to the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Ireland has participated in MONUSCO since its establishment in 2010. Prior to that, from 2001 to 2010, Defence Forces personnel served with the United Nations Organisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), the first UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In common with all other UN members, Ireland received a general request in 2007 for a range of capabilities for the United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). However, the Defence Forces did not have the required assets (heavy lift equipment etc). Ireland offered to nominate up to eight (8) personnel to staff appointments at the Force HQ. However, the offer was not taken up by the UN at the time.

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. However, due to Ireland’s own current level of commitment in overseas peacekeeping operations, notably to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights 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 426 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.