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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 5

Written Answers. - International Policing Role.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the degree to which he expects Ireland to participate in the proposed EU rapid response police force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17750/00]

The Helsinki European Council in December 1999 agreed that the civilian resources available to the EU and its member states to respond to international crises should be enhanced. As a follow up to this, the Portuguese Presidency submitted a report to the European Council that was held in Feira on 19 and 20 June 2000.

The report, among other items, addresses the role of policing in the management of international crises. In particular it envisages a greater involvement by the EU, an increase in the number of police made available by member states for international missions and enhancing the ability of member states to rapidly deploy police on such missions.

The European Council welcomed the overall report and, in so far as policing is concerned, welcomed the fact that member states, co-operating voluntarily, have undertaken that by 2003 they will be able to provide up to 5,000 police officers for international missions across the range of conflict prevention and crisis management operations. Member states have also undertaken to be able to identify and deploy up to 1,000 police officers within 30 days.

Ireland will continue to provide members of the Garda Síochána to participate in international peacekeeping missions.

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