Richard Bruton
Question:37 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the refusal of his Department to allow the Navy to partake in the Baltops Operation. [12680/99]
Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.
John Gormley
Question:56 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence the reason for rejecting the proposal that the Naval Service participate in Baltops 99; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13162/99]
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:82 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the refusal of his Department to allow the Navy to partake in the Baltops Operation. [13356/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 56 and 82 together.
It was decided not to accept the invitation for a Naval Service vessel to participate in Baltops 99. Having regard to current Naval Service fishery protection operational requirements and, in the light of the positive decision of the Government to initiate a debate on the question of Ireland's membership of Partnership for Peace, I decided that it would be appropriate to await the outcome of that debate before considering participation in an exercise such as Baltops 99.