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

103. To ask the Minister for Defence if, in discussions with the United Nations, he will consider proposing that Irish troops be sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they could play a very positive role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7073/15]

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

As of 1st February 2015, Ireland is contributing 432 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world. Four Defence personnel are serving with the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Ireland has participated in this mission 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). Other recent deployments to Africa have included the assignment of five (5) Defence Forces personnel with the UK Armed forces in Sierra Leone to support the international response to the Ebola crisis in West Africa and a small number of Defence Forces personnel to the Irish Embassy in Freetown, Sierra Leone under the Emergency Civilian Assistance Team Initiative. In addition, ten (10) Defence Forces personnel have been serving with the EU-led Training Mission in Mali, EUTM Mali, since 2013.

Given Ireland's current level of commitment in overseas peacekeeping operations, notably to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), we are not in a position to make significant long-term commitments to other missions at this time.

The current contribution of some 432 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government's continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.