34 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the situation regarding the possibility of substantial numbers of Irish troops serving abroad again, particularly in the Lebanon, as suggested by the Chief of Staff in his address to the recent Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38261/10]

36 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence his plans in relation to future Defence Forces overseas missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46260/10]

40 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the progress made regarding a Defence Forces overseas mission in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47274/10]

50 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which Irish troops are likely to participate in overseas peacekeeping missions in the next 12 months; if agreements or arrangements have been entered into with the EU or UN in respect of any such participation; if agreement has been reached in respect of actual numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47204/10]

52 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel currently serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46266/10]

240 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent of any discussions he has had at EU or UN level in connection with deployment of Irish troops overseas on peacekeeping, peace enforcing or stabilising missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46603/10]

244 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total number of the Defence Forces at all ranks currently serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46607/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos 34, 36, 40, 50, 52, 240 and 244 together.

Ireland has offered, through the UN Standby Arrangements System (UNSAS), to provide up to 850 military personnel for overseas service at any one time. This figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army (excluding Reserves) and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. This is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations.

Ireland is currently contributing 137 Defence Forces personnel to 12 different missions throughout the world. Of the 137 personnel currently serving overseas, 81 are officers and 56 are drawn from other ranks. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement below.

The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the EU-led operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 43 personnel, the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 12 personnel and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan with 7 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the EU, OSCE and NATO.

With regard to future deployments, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular request, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a political solution, consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy and the degree of risk involved are amongst the factors considered. Apart from a recent UN request to despatch a contingent to the UN mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL), no other deployments are planned or envisaged at this time.

Despite the reduced budgetary resources that are available to the Department generally, Ireland remains open to participation in peacekeeping operations. In that regard, I am glad to be able to advise the House that the Government yesterday approved the deployment of a contingent of the Defence Forces, as part of a joint Finnish/Irish battalion to UNIFIL. Up to 440 personnel could be deployed in the second quarter of next year to this mission. Discussions will now commence with the UN and with Finland on finalising the composition of the contingent and the deployment schedule. Thereafter, I will proceed in the New Year to seek Dáil approval for the mission. This will complete the Triple Lock mechanism of UN, Government and Dáil approval before deploying members of the Defence Forces overseas.

Once we deploy to UNIFIL it is expected that our total overseas deployment at that stage will amount to just over 500. This is a very significant contribution in the context of the reduced resources available and reflects the Government's continued commitment to international peacekeeping and to the ongoing development of the Defence Forces.

*Formerly MONUC, renamed 1 July 2010.