Written Answers. - European Defence and Security.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
105
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
the number of occasions on which he has met with his European Union counterparts to discuss defence and security matters, excluding normal Council of Ministers meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9268/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
106
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
the degree to which he has had discussions with his European Union counterparts in the matter of European defence and security; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9269/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 106 together.
Since my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 122 raised by the Deputy on 24 October 2000 two meetings have been held at ministerial level.
On 20 November 2000, my colleague, the Minister for State, Deputy Seamus Brennan, attended the Capabilities Commitment Conference in Brussels on my behalf. The Minister for Foreign Affairs attended the General Affairs Council embodying security and defence elements and the associated conference meetings with the third countries wishing to contribute to the EU headline goal.
Ireland offered to contribute up to 850 members of the Defence Forces to the headline goal from within our existing commitment of 850 personnel to the United Nations standby arrangements system. The largest element of the commitment involves a light infantry battalion of up to 750 personnel, along with an Army ranger wing platoon of 40, in addition to small numbers in national support, headquarters and observer elements which make up the remainder.
A declaration by EU member states was issued after the conference which outlined progress to date on the elaboration of the voluntary goal in the lead-up to the Nice European Council. It clearly stated that the Union's contribution to international security would be made in keeping with the principles of the UN Charter. Moreover, it reiterated that these steps did not imply the creation of a European army.
On 21 February 2001, I met with the Belgian Defence Minister, Mr. Andre Flahaut, in my Department. Minister Flahaut requested this meeting in the context of his preparations of the forthcoming Belgian EU Presidency. The meeting afforded an opportunity for Minister Flahaut to discuss informally matters relating to European Security and Defence Policy – ESDP – and in particular the Belgian priorities for advancement of Helsinki headline goal capabilities during their presidency. The meeting of its nature was an exchange of views and non decision making.
Question No. 107 answered with Question No. 61.
