UNTAET was established as an integrated peacekeeping operation to administer East Timor during its transition to independence. It has a military component of just over 8,000 troops and a civilian police component of about 1,600 drawn from nearly 50 countries. The Timorese now live in relative safety with the knowledge that a well-trained professional force is available to protect them in the event of an upsurge. People are rebuilding their houses and sending their children to school because the UN peacekeepers give them the hope they need to start again.

 I visited East Timor last year and witnessed at first hand the difficult conditions in the area of operations where you will be based. I have to say that this mission is in some of the most difficult terrain that Irish personnel have ever encountered. It is the furthest mission from home and it is in probably the most inhospitable climate ever faced by Irish troops. It is an extreme challenge and yet I believe it is one that all of you are looking forward to.

Nearer to home the new security challenges which have emerged in Europe have brought a recognition that European states should do more to address crisis situations such as those which arose in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. The EU Headline Goal, which has become commonly known as the Rapid Reaction Force, is intended to ensure that the EU has the necessary capacities to provide responses in the area of crisis management, i.e. the Petersberg tasks. Put simply, what is involved is improving the EU's ability to prevent, manage and resolve crises. As a member of the EU and a long-standing contributor to international peacekeeping, Ireland intends to play a positive role in this regard.

 The referendum on the Treaty of Nice is now just over two weeks away and the Headline Goal and our contribution to it has become a talking point by certain parties on the "No" side of the campaign. It is appropriate, therefore, that I take this opportunity to describe the nature of Ireland's commitment to the EU Headline Goal. Firstly, the contribution in no way downgrades our commitment to UN peacekeeping. In fact, this contribution reinforces in a very conspicuous way our continued intention to support efforts to maximise international peace and stability. Secondly, Ireland's contribution does not in any way affect our long-standing policy of military neutrality to which the Government remains firmly committed. Thirdly, participation by Ireland in any Petersberg mission remains a sovereign decision to be taken by the Government. The Government will decide on a case by case basis whether, when and how to commit either troops or other resources. Fourthly, and most importantly, Ireland will only participate in missions authorised by the United Nations.

 Today we are reviewing 42 soldiers who will serve in East Timor for four months. 4 will serve with the Component Headquarters in Dili, 2 as unarmed Observers, 4 with the National Support Element in Darwin and 32 as an Infantry Platoon in Taroman in the South West of the country near the border with West Timor. Lt. Col. Pat O'Riordan is the Senior Irish Officer and the Infantry Platoon is under the command of Lt. Murt Larkin. The Platoon members are drawn mainly from the 5th Infantry Battalion in Dublin and I am confident that they will meet the challenge that lies ahead.

 You have all trained hard since last February and this training, combined with your previous peacekeeping experience, has prepared you to deal with any scenarios that are likely to arise. Looking at the troops being reviewed here today it is obvious that they are young, extremely fit and focused on the mission ahead.

This is an exciting time to be in the Defence Forces. The resources being poured into the Defence Forces mean that the quality and the quantity of equipment being purchased has never been better. In just three weeks time the first 6 of 40 new Armoured Personnel Carriers will arrive in Ireland and the remaining 34 APCs will be delivered by early next year. The procurement of new medium range helicopters is progressing and the tenders are being evaluated at present. I am hopeful that a contract can be in place before the end of the summer. A second new state of the art offshore patrol vessel for the Naval Service, the L.E. Niamh, will be delivered shortly. This ship is similar to the L.E. Róisín which was commissioned in December 1999. Unprecedented amounts of money are being spent on modernising and upgrading operational, training and living accommodation for all members of the Defence Forces. This investment allied to a policy of continuous recruitment will ensure that a career in the Defence Forces is positive and satisfying.

 I want to take this opportunity to once again acknowledge the contribution the Defence Forces make to Irish society. There are currently 867 Irish soldiers serving overseas and this represents a huge contribution to peacekeeping by a country of our size. The patience and diplomacy of Irish soldiers serving throughout the different missions down through the years have helped to maintain peace and allow day to day life proceed in many parts of the world.

 Finally, I want to wish everyone a safe and successful tour of duty.