The Irish Defense Forces have conducted peacekeeping operations since 1958. Many of these have had a humanitarian aspect. Since 1994, however, the Defense Forces have become involved in dedicated humanitarian operations, notably in Africa, Central America, and the Balkans. These operations have been unorthodox in that they have deployed unarmed troops, who are on special leave, in civilian attire and under the auspices of international organizations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), or Irish governmental organizations such as the Agency for Personal Service Overseas (APSO). These organizations acknowledge that Irish operations have been successful in the limited sense that they have temporarily benefitted both the host nations and their citizens, but it is debatable whether they are successful in terms of sustainability and security. They have also lacked a proper command structure, thereby leading to a potential breakdown in discipline. In their favor, they contribute to a far better military/civilian relationship than do orthodox military humanitarian operations. This thesis will examine whether there are better ways of conducting such operations, in the light of recent changes in the international environment, such as Ireland's membership of Partnership for Peace, developments regarding the Special High Readiness Brigade (SHIRBRIG), European security evolvement, and other options.

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