Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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1323. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress that has been made in developing the role of women in peacekeeping functions, as has been highlighted by the Secretary General of the UN and identified under UNSCR 1325; and the status of the engagement with other stakeholders, such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána, to explore the contribution of gender-focused measures, particularly regarding the appropriate deployment of female personnel. [12819/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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In May 2015, during a visit to Ireland, the Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Ban Ki-moon, observed the value in some situations of being able to call upon female peacekeepers having regard to the multifaceted nature of peacekeeping challenges. He requested that consideration be given to the contribution of women soldiers to UN operations and that Ireland might factor this into its approach to such operations. The 2015 White Paper on Defence highlights the importance of UNSCR 1325 in setting out the vital role that women can play in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peace building, post-conflict reconstruction, reform and governance. A number of projects have been identified to give effect to these commitments and work has recently commenced in my Department to this end which will require in due course engagement with other stakeholders involved, such as the UN, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána to further explore the contribution of gender focused measures, particularly in relation to the appropriate formation and deployment of female personnel. The advancement of the Women Peace and Security agenda in peacekeeping operations is an area in which Ireland has taken a proactive role. In preparing contingents for overseas operations, significant training is provided on gender to all Defence Forces personnel. Moreover, a gender perspective is included in the planning and conduct of all overseas military operations, something that is particularly relevant in circumstances where gender based violence has occurred. It is important to stress that the Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and that the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties, including in respect of participation in UN peacekeeping operations.

In 2016, at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial held in London, which I attended, one of the main issues discussed was improving peacekeeping, including increasing the involvement of women at all levels in overseas missions. I contributed to the session on the participation of women in peace and security outlining actions currently undertaken by Ireland in that area and confirming our commitment to increase the participation of women at senior decision-making and leadership levels in the Irish defence forces.

The Deputy will also be aware that Ireland recently appointed the first female officer to the position of Officer Commanding an Irish Defence Forces contingent on an overseas mission. It is also the case that four officers serving with UNIFIL, UNDOF, MONUSCO and EUTM Mali have gender advisor roles in their briefs.