Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

20. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which future deployments of Irish peacekeepers at various locations overseas will be deployed in such numbers, and with the necessary supports to ensure their sustainability in the event of unforeseen circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34519/15]

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

As of 1st October 2015, Ireland is contributing 494 Defence Forces personnel to 12 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 195 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) with 153 personnel, the Naval Service Humanitarian Mission in the Mediterranean with 60 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. Ten (10) personnel are serving at the headquarters of the German-led Battle Group 2016. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with several United Nations missions. 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, given Ireland’s current level of commitment in overseas peacekeeping operations, notably to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Syria and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, we are not in a position to make significant long-term commitments to other missions at this time.

The current contribution of some 494 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.