Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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71. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether the theme of peacekeeping and human rights protection by the Defence Forces should be promoted during the contribution of his Department to commemorative events even as they refer to the foundation of the State (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15041/19]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Last year marked important milestones in the history of Ireland's participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations by the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána and civilian personnel.

2018 was the 60th anniversary of Ireland's first participation in a United Nations peacekeeping mission and the 40th anniversary of the first deployment of Defence Force personnel to Lebanon as part of the UNIFIL mission. Numerous commemorative events took place throughout the year including a State Ceremony in Dublin Castle on 24th June 2018 and a high level event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in July. At all of these ceremonies and indeed whenever an appropriate opportunity has arisen to date in the course of my work as Minister with Responsibility for Defence, I am very proud to acknowledge and promote the professionalism, the bravery and the commitment to peace and humanitarism that lies at the core of the Defence Forces' engagement as peacekeepers.

Protection of civilians and ensuring the protection of human rights lie at the core of UN missions and the responsibilities of UN peacekeepers. Training in human rights and humanitarian law is a fundamental part of the mission training for all deploying personnel. It is also a key part of the training we provide within the EU Training Mission in Mali.

Last week I attended the United Nations Peacekeeping Conference in New York and I took the opportunity to once again highlight, at the highest level, the contribution that Irish military personnel have made to peacekeeping through their participation in many missions world-wide. I also on behalf of Ireland, pledged continued and enhanced training support by our Defence Forces for Troop Contributing Countries.