IRELAND - OVERSEAS ARMED SERVICE 'A MATTER OF INDIVIDUAL CHOICE'

The Department of Defence in Dublin has responded to a query from the Celtic League about the recruitment of Irish Nationals into overseas armed forces.

The Celtic League has posed a series of questions following news that 1 in 10 of those recruited into the British Army come from the Republic of Ireland.

The DoD say that «enlistment of Irish citizens in a Foreign Army is a matter of individual choice». A full copy of the text of their reply is set out below. An earlier response from the Department of Foreign Affairs about International law covering the recruitment of mercenaries can be accessed via the links at the foot of this article.

«Office of the Minister for Defence Oifig an Aire Cosanta Department of Defence An Roinn Cosanta

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7 August, 2008

Mr. J. B. Moffatt, Director of Information, Celtic League, 11 Cleiy Rhennee, Kirk Michael, Isle of Mann 1M6 1HT

Dear Mr. Moffatt,

1 have been asked by the Minister for Defence, Mr. Willie O'Dea T.D., to refer to your letter forwarded to this office from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding the question of Irish Citizens joining Foreign Armed Forces.

The position is that the Irish Defence Forces are held in very high regard both at home and abroad. Any enlistment of Irish citizens in a Foreign Army is a matter of individual choice and as such can have no impact on the reputation of the Defence Forces.

The rights of Irish Citizens are not defined by the Minister for Defence and in this regard it would be inappropriate for the Minister for Defence to comment on the legislation of other countries.

I understand that the Department of Foreign Affairs has replied to you in relation to the International Convention against the recruitment, use, financing and training of mercenaries.

The Minister has asked me to thank you for taking the time to write on this matter.

Yours sincerely,

KATHLEEN McAULIFFE PRIVATE SECRETARY»

Related article on Celtic News at:

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

11/08/08