The Cabinet has today given approval for Irish troops to remain in Kosovo and Afghanistan for a further 12 months.
Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, said he had secured Cabinet permission for 213 Irish soldiers serving with the KFOR mission in Kosovo and for seven personnel serving in Afghanistan to remain.
Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea
Irish peacekeeping troops have served in Kosovo since August 1999 in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244.
The 213 troops in Kosovo operate as part of a multinational Czech-led grouping. Mr O'Dea said discussions are underway on Ireland's possible "enhanced future role" beyond 2007, which could see Ireland becoming the lead nation for the KFOR mission.
He said he had advised his Cabinet colleagues of the importance of maintaining a presence in the western Balkans due to the "continued fragility" of the situation in the region.
Ireland has participated in the UN-authorised International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since 2002 and has seven personnel in the Kabul area.
Mr O'Dea said the overall threat to the ISAF mission is currently "significant" and that armoured protection vehicles and additional security measures had been put in place.
The Minister welcomed the considerable political progress in Afghanistan, including the new parliament, and the fact that women now hold more than a quarter of seats in the National Assembly.
"The illicit narcotics industry remains a major challenge, however, to the long-term security, development and effective Governance of Afghanistan. Afghanistan produces approximately 90 per cent of the global opium supply," he said.
"Both missions are of vital importance, locally and Internationally and our troops serving there are a source of great pride for this country. They save lives and maintain peace daily and are highly regarded and respected by the local population and their international military partners.
"This was clearly evident to me when I visited our troops serving in Kosovo two weeks ago. I thank them and their families for the sacrifice they make to ensure the lives of innocent people in Kosovo and Afghanistan are saved and improved," Mr O'Dea said.