Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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28. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent of further requests from the United Nations for the deployment of Irish troops on peacekeeping expeditions; the extent to which such deployment will arise in future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6871/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As of 1st February 2015, Ireland is contributing 432 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 199 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) with 138 personnel, the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 12 personnel, the EU-led operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 7 personnel, the EU-led Training Mission in Mali with 10 personnel and the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan with 7 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with several United Nations missions. Personnel have also recently deployed to the Irish Embassy in Sierra Leone and five (5) medical personnel deployed with UK Armed forces in Sierra Leone to support the international response to the Ebola crisis in West Africa.

Requests received by Ireland from time to time in relation to participation in various missions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Initial work on possible options for a contribution by Ireland to the EU maritime mission in the Horn of Africa, Operation ATALANTA is being undertaken in my Department and a decision in this regard will be made in due course.

However, given Ireland’s current level of commitment in overseas peacekeeping operations, notably to UNDOF and 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.