asked the Minister for External Affairs if the Secretary General of the United Nations submitted any request on behalf of the Security Council for a further contingent of troops for duty in Cyprus; and, if so, what decision has been arrived at on the request.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Troops in Cyprus.
2.
On 15th June, as the Deputy is aware, the Security Council of the United Nations decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations peace-keeping force in Cyprus for six months ending the 26th December, 1965. Following this decision of the Security Council the Government received from the Secretary General a request to maintain our contingent in Cyprus at its present strength. At present, as the Deputy is aware, our contingent comprises:
(a) the 42nd Battalion of 615 all ranks, which has replaced the 40th Battalion (606 all ranks) and the 41st Battalion (611 all ranks) which went to Cyprus in April, 1964 and October, 1964 respectively;
(b) the 4th Infantry Group consisting of 421 all ranks which is a replacement for the 3rd Infantry Group (447 all ranks) which was sent to reinforce the contingent in August and October, 1964;
(c) 25 all ranks at UNFICYP Headquarters, Nicosia.
The Government have decided to maintain the 4th Infantry Group until its tour of duty in Cyprus ends on 25th July but not to replace it. They have also decided to maintain the 42nd Battalion in Cyprus until its tour ends on the 5th October.
In the case of the 42nd Battalion, is it proposed to replace it at the end of October?
That matter has not yet come up for decision. As the Deputy is aware, the Government have been pressing upon the Secretary General of the United Nations that he should do everything possible to get replacements for the Irish contingent.
Will the method of financing the operation be the same as previously?
It will continue the same.
What proportion of the total United Nations forces in Cyprus is represented by the Irish contribution?
It is roughly 1,000 out of 6,000.
Can the Minister say what proportion of the present standing Irish Army is in Cyprus?
That is another question. About one-seventh, or one-eighth, I suppose.