Written Answers. - Partnership for Peace.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
58
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
if he has had any contact from or with his European Union counterparts following the Nice referendum; the position in relation to commitments made in the context of Partnership for Peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[18270/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
103
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
the recent discussions he has had with his EU colleagues on defence matters in the wake of Ireland's rejection of the Nice treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[18453/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
104
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
if he proposes to continue with participation in Partnership for Peace in the wake of the rejection of the Nice treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[18454/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 103 and 104 together.
I have not had any discussions on defence matters with my EU colleagues following the Treaty of Nice referendum. Ireland's approach to participation in PfP was set out in the presentation document of 1 December 1999, which was approved by this House. The document included the five priority areas of co-operation on international peacekeeping; humanitarian operations; search and rescue; co-operation in the protection of the environment and co-operation in marine matters. There is no institutional link between PfP and the European Union but PfP is relevant to the Petersberg Tasks. It will be recalled that participation in PfP is entirely voluntary and is based on the principle of self-differentation, 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 2001 in respect of Ireland's participation has been agreed. 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 involve participation at officer and non-commissioned officer level.
Ireland has recently commenced participation in the PfP planning and review process. Like other neutral EU states who participate in the PfP's planning and review process, Ireland will use this mechanism with a view to enhancing inter-operability with our PfP partners in such areas as planning, operational cohesion, logistics and language training. The aim of this process is to create the conditions in which different contingents can work together efficiently and effectively whilst undertaking peace support operations.
It is the policy of the Government to ensure that the Defence Forces are adequately trained, equipped and resourced to undertake whatever activities with which they may be tasked from time to time. The White Paper on Defence 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. In this regard participation in PfP does not involve the imposition of any changes in Defence Forces training procedures and equipment.
