Written Answers. - European Defence and Security.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:
36
Mr. M. Higgins
asked the
Minister for Defence
his plans for amendment of the Defence Forces legislation in view of the commitment of Irish forces to the Rapid Reaction Force of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2240/01]
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:
37
Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin
asked the
Minister for Defence
if he will make a statement on the preparations by the Defence Forces for participation in the proposed Rapid Reaction Force.
[4017/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
50
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
the extent to which optimum strength for the Defence Forces has been identified; if any changes are required arising from participation in European defence or security commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[3948/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 37 and 50 together.
I want to clarify any confusion arising from the description of the capabilities for the EU Headline Goal as a Rapid Reaction Force. The response capacity currently being developed by the EU, and frequently described as a Rapid Reaction Force, is emphatically not a standing army. It constitutes a catalogue of capabilities available to provide the means to carry out Petersberg tasks – tasks of crisis management, peacekeeping and humanitarian activities – the national elements of which can only be deployed on foot of decisions by each potential contributor.
The issue to which the Deputy refers was discussed between my Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Attorney General in the context of last November's decision by the Government to authorise commitment by Ireland of up to 850 members of the Defence Forces to the EU Headline Goal for the purpose of possible future Petersberg Task operations. Ireland's political commitment to the EU Headline Goal did not give rise to any requirement to amend existing legislation. This remains the position and will not be affected by the Treaty changes recently agreed at Nice.
As regards any potential EU Petersberg operation, in keeping with the Government's stated position in this area, I reiterate that Ireland will approach each mission on a case by case basis and only participate in operations authorised by the UN as comprehended by the appropriate legislation, that is, the Defence Act, 1954, the Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 1960, and the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1993.
The commitments made in relation to the EU Headline Goal must be seen in the context of Ireland's long-standing support for overseas peace support operations authorised by the United Nations. In this regard, the White Paper on Defence, published last year, set out key elements of the Government's approach to overseas peace support operations and I wish to refer to a number of the most important and relevant elements.
The White Paper sets out a comprehensive strategy for a reshaping and re-equipping of the Defence Forces to ensure they are geared for the opportunities and challenges of the changing security and defence environment. This strategy embraces organisation, equipment, training and technology aspects. In this context, the White Paper contains the strategy for the Defence Forces strength and organisation for the next ten years and concluded that the Permanent Defence Force requires a strength of 10,500 personnel ready to fulfil current tasks at home and abroad.
Ireland's commitment of up to 850 members of the Defence Forces to the EU Headline Goal is to be met from within the United Nations Standby Arrangements System, UNSAS, commitment of 850 members on overseas service at any time. The White Paper detailed existing equipment programmes, including that for 40 new armoured personnel carriers. Future equipment requirements are already the subject of examination within my Department by the high level civil-military planning and procurement group established under the White Paper and are being funded from within the existing procurement financial provisions and savings realised from the reduction in Permanent Defence Force personnel numbers and the sale of surplus properties. This programme will ensure that the Defence Forces are in a position to contribute to modern peace support operations.
In relation to military training, the White Paper recognised that the primary focus of the Defence Forces, when not engaged in operations, is training and preparation. As a reflection of the evolving defence and security environment, increased emphasis will be placed on exercises stressing interoperability, procedures and doctrine.
