Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
82. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence which overseas embassies are included in his Department’s plans to establish military attaches in overseas embassies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2778/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra83. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the projected cost of his Department’s plans to establish military attaches in overseas embassies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2779/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
The White Paper on Defence recognised the need for the Department of Defence to continue to engage in developing and deepening bilateral relations with potential like-minded partners to secure Ireland’s position in current and future international crisis management operations. The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces further supported this view. A joint civilian/military project team was formed to examine options in this respect and a project was formally initiated in May 2023.The project aims to explore the benefits to Ireland of establishing a Defence Attaché (DA) network, to look at the potential appropriate composition and duties of the role of a Defence Attaché, and to consider how such a network could build on existing bilateral relations. The project also aims to explore as a pilot, the deployment of a DA in one of the Irish embassies of strategic value and importance to Defence and Foreign Policy goals where strong engagement exists on defence matters. Consultations have taken place with a range of stakeholders, including with the Department of Foreign Affairs, reflecting their longstanding experience in respect of postings and the fact that any future Defence Attaché will become part of an Ambassador's team in an Embassy.The project is currently close to completion. Once finalised ,I will consider same in detail, and the location for an initial pilot posting is likely to be confirmed. Projected costs, timelines and any additional embassies for future consideration will be determined as appropriate in due course.
