The United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, has addressed the National Forum on Europe at Dublin Castle.
Mr Annan called for more EU involvement in peacekeeping missions. He also thanked Ireland for its contribution to the United Nations.
Mr Annan has expressed support for a defence group which can be rapidly deployed, but which would not necessarily use force.
The defence forces have confirmed that they have made a submission in favour of participation in such a force, however, the Government has yet to make a decision on the matter.
The Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, has said such deployments could only take place with the approval of the Government and the Dáil and if the mission had UN sanction.
The Secretary General arrived in Dublin yesterday evening at the start of a five-day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Accompanied by his wife, Mr Annan is staying at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park. Earlier, he paid a courtesy visit to Áras an Úchtaráin where he met President Mary McAleese.
