2.—(1) F1[Subject to subsections (2), (3), and (4)] of this section, a contingent of the F1[Defence Forces] may be despatched for service outside the State as part of a particular International United Nations Force if, but only if, a resolution has been passed by Dáil Éireann approving of the despatch of a contingent of the F1[Defence Forces] for service outside the State as part of that International United Nations Force.

(2) A contingent of the F1[Defence Forces] may be despatched for service outside the State with a particular International United Nations Force without a resolution approving of such despatch having been passed by Dáil Éireann, if, but only if—

(a) that International United Nations Force is unarmed, or

(b) the contingent consists of not more than twelve members of the F1[Defence Forces], and the number of members of the F1[Defence Forces] serving outside the State with that International United Nations Force will not, by reason of such despatch, be increased to a number exceeding twelve, or

(c) the contingent is intended to replace, in whole or in part, or reinforce a contingent of the F1[Defence Forces] serving outside the State as part of that International United Nations Force and consisting of more than twelve members of the F1[Defence Forces].

F2[(3) A contingent or member of the F1[Defence Forces] may, with the prior approval of and on the authority of the Government, be despatched for service outside the State as part of a force to be assembled or embarked before being deployed as part of a particular International United Nations Force if, but only if, the contingent or member is not so deployed until a resolution under subsection (1) of this section has been passed by Dáil Éireann approving of their despatch for such service.]

F3[(4) A member of the Reserve Defence Force shall not be despatched under subsection (1), (2) or (3) unless that member has consented to the despatch in accordance with section 86A or 91A, as the case may be, of the Principal Act.]