We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
MINISTER OF STATE Paul Kehoe will this week bring a proposal to Cabinet to deploy the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) with the UN peacekeeping force in Mali.
If approved this would be the first deployment of the ARW overseas in their special forces role since their deployment to Chad in 2008.
The UN mission MINUSMA (Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali) was established in April 2013 after an upsurge in violence.
Last year Al Jazeera reported that Al-Qaeda attacks in northern Mali were increasing, particularly against MINUSMA forces.
The proposal has been under consideration by the Minister of State for Defence for some time and a detailed review of the mission along with a full threat assessment by the Defence Forces has been undertaken.
General staff are satisfied that there are robust precautions in place to ensure the safety of forces deployed to the mission, while acknowledging that no mission is without dangers – and that this UN mission is particularly dangerous.
If Cabinet gives the proposal the go-ahead, it will have to proceed to the Dáil for approval.
The deployment would complement Ireland’s current contributions to the EU Training Mission in Mali in support of the Malian Armed Forces and the training Ireland’s Defence Forces provide to the countries of the Sahel in countering mines and improvised explosive devices.
Contributing to security and stability in Western Africa is a key focus of the government’s Development Aid Programme.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
They’re supposed to be elected as public representatives. What could be more important than meeting this person.
Simple Simon running for cover again and using another outrage towards Irish women as cover. What a waste of space…..
Jesus Christ but can’t women in this country catch a break…
@Vigo The Carpathian: considering a lot of men on here are voting No and even joke about our bodily autonomy (not to be mixed up with theirs which is taken for granted). No.
Maybe the fact that this latest information is mainly about older women is a factor in his decision not to bother meeting them or their representative ? So perhaps the minister is ageist as well as incompetent ?
He’s a journalist for heavens sake, how would he even remotely have any idea what the hell is going on with women’s problems like this & be able to give any reassurance to these unfortunate women?
Well due to the appalling mess that is the HSE the minister is clearly a very busy man, running from one emergency to the next. At least there are no fatalities associated with this one. BTW whats with the Journal telling me this post “This may be perceived as toxic 4.2/10″ would you not take a flying one……
@Austin Rock: That’s just typical of a man to make such a statement, have you in any way , any idea what these women suffer, but sure hey “ there’s no fatalities “ so it’s grand!
@Colette Kearns: to be fair he said no fatalities associated with this one in reference to the smear test debacle in with there are fatalities. In no way did he say it’s ok because there are no fatalities
@Dave O Keeffe: He showed he doesn’t have a clue about the issue, the pain and suffering women have to go through when problems arise. All he’s concerned about is excusing Harris ignoring these women.
I do agree with him about this “Toxic” rubbish that apperars while i’m typing a comment.
That’s shameful of Harris and he wants us to vote and hand over the 8th too! VOTE NO
@Maeve Wall: ah look another new account
@Maeve Wall: go away.
I wonder what advice could any of the female journalists on here give to men with problems with their prostate or similar . Funny how nothing like that is going on (t g ) but it’s always the women that suffer. As the saying goes “ it’s a mans world “ & they want to keep it that way. ( thankfully not all men tho)
Can’t help but notice the way J.B. Is standing!!
What was so important that it had to be cancelled? Is the matter being raised too soon after the cervical cancer scandal and Fine Gael is trying to create some time distance between one and the other?
.
Further breast examination tests taken previously, have been reported to up questioned also. This too is being kept on a profile by a certain group of newspapers – little or no reporting. The public deliberate left in the dark again?
Bloody hell our health system has a serious problem treating women for female specific issues. Is the woman’s body a new thing to the HSE?
have your say