Editing Defence Forces (Ireland) (section)

== Role ==
The Irish state has [[Irish neutrality|a long-standing policy]] of [[non-belligerence]] in armed conflicts, including [[Irish neutrality during World War II|neutrality in World War II]]. Ireland's military capabilities are modest. However, the state has a long history of involvement in [[United Nations peacekeeping]] operations. Functions of the Defence Forces include:

*Preparation for the defence of the state against armed attack.
*Assisting the police force, the [[Garda Síochána]], including the protection of the internal security of the state.
*Peacekeeping, crisis management and humanitarian relief operations in support of the United Nations.
*Policing the fisheries, in accordance with the state's obligations under [[European Union]] agreements.
*Miscellaneous civil contingency duties requested by the government such as search and rescue, air ambulance provision, providing secure air transport for ministers, assistance in the event of natural and other disasters, ensuring the maintenance of essential services, and assisting in dealing with oil pollution at sea.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.military.ie/info-centre/what-we-do/|title=What We Do|work=military.ie|access-date=23 February 2014|archive-date=16 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116102220/http://www.military.ie/info-centre/what-we-do/|url-status=live}}</ref>