Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
152. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there are proposals to deploy the German-led EU battlegroup to missions that Ireland is currently precluded due to the triple-lock neutrality protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53487/23]
View answerIn January of this year, the Government approved the participation by the Defence Forces in the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025. This will be the eighth occasion on which the Defence Forces have been part of an EU Battlegroup and the first since 2020. The Battlegroup will be stood-up during 2024 and will be on standby throughout 2025.
Battlegroups are a key component of the capabilities that the EU can make available in support of UN-authorised crisis management operations. Within the EU Battlegroup concept, the purpose of the Battlegroup, as a rapid response capability, includes the role of acting as an initial entry force to stabilise a situation pending the deployment of a follow-on force, to support an established peace support operation which is running into difficulties, and to respond to humanitarian crises.
It is currently foreseen that the total number of the proposed Defence Forces contribution to the Battlegroup will be approximately 182 personnel. This will be comprised of a Mechanised Infantry Company (with a Company HQ, Infantry platoons and a weapons platoon consisting of 138 personnel) together with a National Support Element (consisting of 34 persons providing the necessary transport, medical, CIS, maintenance and ordnance support) and staff posts of 10 personnel to the Force Headquarters.
The Defence Forces’ contingent will be stood-up on a phased basis through the first months of 2024, beginning with a relatively modest number from 1 January.
Given that the battlegroup has not yet been stood-up, there are currently no plans for its deployment. However, any such deployments could take place only in accordance with Irish law.
The decision to participate in an EU Battlegroup does not presume any further decision in relation to participation in an actual Battlegroup operation. Any such decision is subject to national decision-making procedures.
Any change to the Triple Lock will continue to require Government and Dáil approval for the despatch of Defence Forces’ personnel to take part in peacekeeping and similar missions and will do nothing to change Ireland’s traditional position of military neutrality, which is characterised by Ireland's non-participation in any military alliance.
