Paul Bradford
Question:97 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Defence the operations he proposes that the Defence Forces will undertake together with defence forces of other European Union states during the course of the next two years. [13826/01]
Written Answers - EU Co-operation.
Trevor Sargent
Question:118 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence when he believes the European rapid reaction force will be up and running. [13813/01]
Alan Shatter
Question:180 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the operations he proposes the Defence Forces will undertake together with defence forces of other European Union States during the course of the next two years. [13877/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 118, and 180 together.
I would like to clarify any confusion arising from the description of the capabilities for the EU headline goal, a voluntary target which EU member states aim to meet by the year 2003, 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. Rather, it constitutes a catalogue of capabilities to be available by 2003 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.
Ireland has 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, 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.
Participation in any potential EU Petersberg operation, in keeping with the Government's stated position in this area, will be considered on a case by case basis and Ireland will 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, sets 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 that 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.
With regard to the financial position generally, the White Paper acknowledged the trend for many overseas peace support missions to be financed by the participating countries. While this may increase the overall net cost of overseas operations in a situation where the proportion of missions with a reimbursement facility declines, the general strategy for the management of the Defence Vote within existing resources will set the context for all defence programmes, including overseas operations. On 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.
Since the Government came to office very significant progress has been achieved in investment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces. An unprecedented level of investment has been made since then and the investment situation continues to improve following decisions made on the White Paper on Defence. The White Paper on Defence sets out a very positive, developmental approach to defence in Ireland for the next ten years. It involves a new, unprecedented £250 million investment programme in equipment and infrastructure. This programme will ensure that Ireland has a modern, sustainable defence organisation, second to none, with the depth and flexibility to respond to future demands.