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Minister Coveney, Deputy Commissioner, Chief of Staff, Secretaries General Quinn and Waters, Veterans, honoured guests, families and friends.
I am delighted to attend this event today on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald. Minister Fitzgerald is engaged in Government business overseas and very much regrets that she is unable to be here to share in these celebrations. She has asked that I convey her congratulations to An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces on the distinguished contribution that their members have made, and continue to make, in supporting the United Nations in fulfilling its peace-keeping mandate.
Our active support for the United Nations has been a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy since we became a member in 1955. On this, the occasion of the 60th anniversary of our membership, it is appropriate to take the opportunity for reflection and I commend all those involved for putting together the wonderful programme of events and projects that is underway, both here and abroad, to generate debate and raise awareness among the public of the many ways in which we demonstrate our commitment to the United Nations, and its efforts to secure a stable and secure global environment.
One of the most visible manifestations of that support is the role of the Defence Forces in peacekeeping operations. Since the first deployment of Irish Peace keepers to Lebanon in 1958 they have gained recognition at home and internationally for their endeavours. But what is perhaps less well known is that the men and women from An Garda Síochána have also served with distinction. For many years they served in a personal capacity, resigning from An Garda Síochána for the duration of their service until 1989, when legislation was enacted to facilitate serving members to participate in peace keeping missions.
Since the first contingent of 35 members travelled to Namibia with a mandate to ensure free and fair elections, over 900 members of An Garda Síochána have served in missions on the continents of Africa, Asia and Europe where they have assisted in the restoration and maintenance of peace in countries affected by conflict. I understand that twelve members of the Force are currently serving in Cyrus and continuing the tradition of supporting peace-keeping activities there since 1993.
The peacekeeping missions in which Garda personnel are deployed have a community policing focus and benefit from what is, I believe, one of the great strengths of An Garda Síochána - its long tradition of successful engagement with local communities throughout this country. No doubt the depth of their experience and expertise serves them well in their overseas missions.
Peacekeeping missions are invaluable in assisting countries to navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. They are, however, inherently dangerous and those serving are often required to display courage and fortitude in the face of risks to their safety and that of their colleagues. On an occasion such as this, it is right that we take time to remember those members of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána who have lost their lives while endeavouring to carry out their peacekeeping mandate. In particular, I would like to recall Garda Sergeant Paul Reid who lost his life in 1995 while serving as part of the United Nations Protection Force in the former Yugoslavia.
As a nation we can, I believe, look back over the last 60 years with a sense of pride in the courage, commitment and professionalism of our peacekeepers and, as we look forward to the next sixty years, there is no doubt that the political complexity facing peacekeeping operations remains challenging but I am confident that An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces will continue their proud tradition of distinguished service in the cause of world peace.
The UN 60 exhibition mounted by the National Museum of Ireland here in Collins Barracks is a thought-provoking tribute to that proud tradition. It brings home the realities of the harsh and dangerous environment in which peace keepers perform their duties using force only, it must be remembered, in self-defence and in defence of their mandates. I congratulate all involved in organising the exhibit and wish it every success.
To conclude I would like to commend the Veterans of the UN peace keeping missions over the years for their service, some of whom are here today. You have done the nation proud.