Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 12 December 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq

Question: What opportunities are there for members of the Home Service Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment to serve in Iraq, bearing in mind that they are highly trained, very capable soldiers? Surely there is capacity perhaps to get some companies from that battalion to operate in Iraq, to the benefit of not only those dedicated soldiers, but United Kingdom operations.

Answer: My hon. Friend will know that, uniquely among British troops, the Home Service Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment, by institution, is confined to the geographical area of one part of the United Kingdom—Northern Ireland—because of the troubles there over decades. However, he is right to point to the fact that individuals from the Home Service Battalion have volunteered, been trained and served with distinction in Iraq. Such things cannot happen with formations of the Home Service Battalion, but individuals have served, as many people from other regiments have done, in attachment with the basic regiments that are serving in Iraq.

Secondary information