The Taoiseach today praised the role of Irish peacekeepers during a ceremony in Dublin to commemorate 50 years' peacekeeping around the world.
Mr Cowen noted that 811 Defence Forces personnel are currently serving on 12 different missions aound the world
A series of events are being held at military barracks around the State, with the main celebration at McKee Barracks in Dublin, where Mr Cowen was joined by Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea and Defence Forces chief of staff Lt Gen Dermot Earley.
In his speech, Mr Cowen noted that Ireland’s first major overseas UN deployment began in July 1960 in Congo, with a UN mission that “has become etched in our nation’s consciousness”.
He said the 26 deaths of Irish soldiers there was a sharp wake-up call for Ireland, as the nation began to more fully appreciate the cost of such missions.
Since becoming a member of the UN in 1955, Ireland has been a “strong defender” of the primary role of the UN Security Council in keeping of international peace and security, Mr Cowen said.
“We have, as a country that cherishes its tradition of military neutrality, been able to deploy Irish peacekeepers to these trouble-spots under our triple lock mechanism of Government decision, Dáil approval and UN authorisation."
Ireland’s Defence Forces have gained extensive experience in peacekeeping over the years and are “regularly approached as a source of peacekeeping personnel and expertise,” the Taoiseach added.
Mr Cowen noted that 811 Defence Forces personnel are currently serving on 12 different missions throughout the world. He also referred to the vital work of over 400 personnel to the EU-led operation in Chad and the Central African Republic.
The Taoiseach continued: “On this day, 26th June, 1963, President Kennedy commenced his historic visit to Ireland. In his eloquent address to the Dáil two days later, Kennedy paid a glowing tribute to the work of Irish peace-keepers.
“He said: 'From Cork to the Congo, from Galway to the Gaza Strip, from this legislative assembly to the United Nations, Ireland is sending its most talented men to do the world’s most important work – the work of peace.'”
“Today, we should all be proud of the many talented Irish men and women down through years who have served this country and the cause of peace with great distinction,” Mr Cowen concluded.
The Minister for Defence, Mr O'Dea added: "A great debt of gratitude is due to all serving members of Óglaigh na hÉireann and to Defence Forces veterans across the country, for their courage and commitment during the past 50 years.
"Their dedication and service contributes in no small measure to the excellent reputation that Ireland holds as a member of the international community and as a major contributor to international peace and security across the globe."
Since 1958, thousands of Irish peacekeepers have served on 74 separate operations including Lebanon, the Congo and the Balkans.
The military parade at McKee Barracks featured the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and the Irish UN Veterans’ Association. Some of Ireland’s very first peacekeepers who were deployed to Lebanon in 1958 attended the event.
An Post will unveil a commemorative stamp to mark the 50th anniversary, and a major photographic display is being organised at Collins Barracks Museum in Dublin.
PA