Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces do not operate a postal delivery service of light goods or materials sent by families of Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.  Prior to deployment all personnel are provided with the overseas contingent postal address which they may provide to family members wishing to send material to them. The overseas contingent’s National Support Element coordinates the collection from that postal address and its onward distribution to personnel.

The Defence Forces ensure that personnel have an adequate supply of personal material while overseas through:

- Comprehensive pre-deployment training and briefing of overseas contingents ensuring personnel are fully aware of what personal items can be brought to a mission area.

- The provision of an appropriate baggage allowance to allow for a number of personal items to be brought overseas.

- The provision for the local purchase of personal items such as toiletries through the contingent National Support Element.

There are no plans to change these arrangements which are currently working effectively.