As the House will be aware Ireland joined Partnership for Peace on 1 December 1999. The areas of interest to Ireland in Partnership for Peace are set out in the presentation document which was approved by Dáil Éireann on 9 November 1999 and which was presented to the NATO secretariat upon signature by Ireland of the PfP Framework Document on 1 December 1999. PfP is of importance in facilitating planning and co-operation for the Petersberg Tasks.
In consultation with the NATO secretariat, an individual partnership programme is being developed for the year 2001, which will set out the level and extent of proposed participation in such areas as co-operation in peacekeeping principles, doctrine, training, exercises and inter-operability in peacekeeping operations.
Ireland's involvement in PfP in the year 2001 will focus on the enhancement of current skills and expertise in such areas as operational and generic planning for peacekeeping and peace support, communications, command and control, operational procedures and logistics. This will take the form of participation at appropriate meetings, seminars and training courses.
In line with the PfP principle of self-differentiation, Ireland retains the final say on the scope and content of the individual partnership programme.