THE Defence Forces are making contingency plans to send troops to serve under the NATO-led peace-keeping mission in former Yugoslavia - possibly within the next few months.
Information on military assistance the Republic could provide has been forwarded by the military authorities to the Department of Foreign Affairs. And a Government decision on participation in the mission, enforcing a UN Security Council resolution on the Bosnia peace agreement, is expected within weeks.
If agreed, it would be the first time that Irish troops served under a NATO command. However, Government sources pointed out yesterday that the NATO force is in place under UN authority.
The Defence Forces participated in a UN peace-enforcement mission in Somalia, although this required Dail approval.
The Defence Forces have indicated that a small contingent of company-size (from 80 to 120 troops) is the most they could contribute to the Sfor (Stability force) mission, according to sources.
This could consist of a transport company to distribute supplies among the 30,000-strong NATO force or a specialist company of engineers or demining experts. The smallest contribution would be a platoon-sized contingent of around 30 military policemen for security duties.
The Defence Forces were asked to outline what contribution it could make, ahead of a Government decision on joining the 36 other nations involved in the mission.
A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman said yesterday that the matter was being looked at and would be dealt with "without too much delay".
He pointed out that the Republic made a considerable contribution to the peace-keeping operations during the EU Presidency when it had command of the EU Monitoring Mission in former Yugoslavia. Then there were 94 Irish soldiers, up to 30 gardai and Irish diplomatic staff in the area.
There are considerable time constraints on making a decision. The Sfor mission is scheduled to run only until the end of 1998 and most of its elements are already in place.
Only the Republic, Switzerland and "micro" nations like Lichtenstein or Monaco in Europe have so far declined to participate in the NATO-led peace force in former Yugoslavia.
Other countries with traditions of neutrality like Sweden and Austria are contributing.
The Government, however, is facing politically sensitive issues in committing Irish troops.
The military force in former Yugoslavia is led by the NATO Commander in central Europe, US General Bill Crouch.
There is considerable support in the Defence Forces for a large commitment to Sfor. However, a severe lack of equipment means that an infantry commitment is; not possible.