Written Answers - Defence Forces Strength.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
104
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
if the current and projected strength of the Defence Forces is adequate in anticipation of likely commitments to the UN and Partnership for Peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[13704/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
116
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
if he has had any indication as to the likely role to be played by the Defence Forces in the course of the compilation and operation of Partnership for Peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[13705/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
196
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
the extent to which special training or other procedures have been put in place for the Defence Forces with particular reference to personnel likely to be involved in Partnership for Peace commitments in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[14030/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
197
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
if the Army, the Naval Service and the Air Corps strength is adequate in view of likely commitments in the context of Partnership for Peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[14031/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
198
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
the extent to which he has evaluated Partnership for Peace proposals with particular reference to the composition and compilation of the European rapid reaction force; if extensive consideration was given to the logistics; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[14032/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 116 and 196 to 198 inclusive, together.
In the White Paper on Defence the Government decided the Defence Forces require a strength of 10,500 personnel, ready to fulfil current tasks at home and abroad. Having regard to the defence and security environment, the Government's policy for defence is aimed at ensuring that the following requirements are met: to maintain a military force structure that provides a basis for responding to any major change in Ireland's strategic circumstances in the medium to long term, as well as demonstrating an appropriate commitment to national defence; to maintain a military force structure capable of responding to requests to provide aid to the civil power and in that context, contributing to the prevention of security challenges from abroad including terrorism and arms smuggling; to fulfil Ireland's international and regional responsibilities arising from membership of the UN by providing a range of military capabilities that can effectively be employed to participate in a broad range of multinational peace support and humanitarian relief operations. Ireland has committed a maximum of 850 military personnel for UN service at any one time under the United Nations standby arrangements system – UNSAS; and to demonstrate Ireland's commitment to European security by having a suitable range of military capabilities that can be used to make appropriate contributions to regional security missions authorised by the UN.
Ireland's approach to participation in Partnership for Peace – PfP – was set out in the presentation document of 1 December 1999, which was approved by this House. The presentation document included the five priority areas of cooper ation on international peacekeeping, humanitarian operations, search and rescue, cooperation in the protection of the environment and cooperation in marine matters.
Ireland's objectives for participation in PfP include: to promote the development of a just and peaceful international society based on the rule of law, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; to foster democratic control of armed forces internationally; to contribute to development of best practice in the areas of international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations; to enhance the capabilities of military officers, civil servants and diplomats engaged in the shaping and executing of security and defence policies; to enhance the capabilities, including the area of interoperability, of Ireland's Defence Forces for peacekeeping, preventative and crisis management operations under UN mandates; to enhance the capabilities of Ireland's Defence Forces, Civil Defence and other relevant organisations to contribute to the areas of civil emergency planning; and to share information and expertise particularly in the area of international peacekeeping, arms control, civil emergency planning, humanitarian operations, search and rescue, scientific and environmental issues.
It will be recalled that participation in PfP is entirely voluntary and is based on the principle of self-differentiation, that is, a state selects for itself the nature and scope of its participation in PfP activities. Following on from joining PfP, an individual partnership programme – IPP – for Ireland's participation was developed. This is Ireland's first IPP and therefore provides an initial presentation of Ireland's broad approach and planned activities. Ireland's policy approach will be developed in the light of initial experience and the IPP has been drawn up in a flexible form to allow for adjustment in the light of ongoing experience.
Details of the planned activities, which allow for adjustment based on policy development and the availability of financial and other resources, have been placed in the Oireachtas Library. The activities chosen are, in the main, training courses, seminars and table top exercises and will involve participation at officer and non-commissioned officer level.
The Government decided that the State will not seek to commit Air Corps equipment resources to an overseas operation. In a situation where there are many demands on resources it would not be reasonable to participate beyond the domestic context. Similarly, in relation to the Naval Service the Government has decided that the emphasis will be on utilisation and development of the Naval Service to contribute to the maximum to all of the State's requirements in the maritime domain and to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. Fishery protection activities account for over 90% of Naval Service operations.
Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 72.
