THE Government is expected to decide before the general election if it will send troops to serve with the NATO led peacekeeping force in former Yugoslavia, the Minister for Defence has indicated.
Mr Barrett, who yesterday reviewed the battalion which leaves next week for a six month tour of duty with the UN peacekeeping force in south Lebanon, also reiterated his support for Ireland's membership of the military alliance associated with NATO the Partnership for Peace (PFP).
It is understood that sensitivity over serving with the NATO led peacekeeping force has contributed to a delay in sending Irish troops to former Yugoslavia.
It is expected that once a political decision is made, the Defence Forces would provide a contingent of between 50 and 80 military police officers.
They would join a force of almost 20,000 troops under the command of United States General William Crouch. The operation is split into three command areas under US, British and French command.
Ireland has indicated that it is prepared to serve with the Stability Force (Sfor) in former Yugoslavia, but a series of protocols have to be completed before troops actually leave for service. An official invitation to participate has to be received, The Cabinet has to agree and the Dail has to pass a resolution allowing participation by any contingent of more than 12 Defence Forces' members.
Mr Barrett yesterday expressed misgivings about developments in international peace keeping where larger countries were insisting on paying for only their military contributions.
He said: "This is bad for the UN and for the poorer countries, that have a role to play. If it is going to be left up to individual states, a lot will drop out. I don't think that is good. Good peacekeeping needs the participation of as many states as possible."