Written Answers. - Defence Forces Strength.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
89
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
if the strength of the Defence Forces is adequate to meet requirements such as combating international terrorism and likely commitments under Partnership for Peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[30616/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
161
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
the extra training which is likely to be made available to the Defence Forces in view of possible participation in Partnership for Peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[30874/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
163
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Defence
his plans to involve Defence Force personnel in training and manoeuvres with other EU Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[30876/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 161 and 163 together.
The White Paper on Defence which was published by my Department in February 2000 sets out a comprehensive strategy for a restructuring and re-equipping of the Defence Forces to ensure that they are in a position to meet the requirements of Government in the changing national and international spheres. This strategy was founded on an assessment by the Government of both the national and international security environment – including risks to international peace generating from conflict in other continents. Responses to international terrorism involve co-ordination from a wide variety of organisations including the Defence Forces. I am satisfied in this regard that the White Paper continues to provide a suitable framework for the development of the Defence Forces in order to respond to new threats in the context of a changing international security environment.
The strategy for Defence Forces strength and organisation for the next ten years is an integral element of the White Paper process. In this regard, the Government has concluded that the Permanent Defence Force requires a strength of 10,500 personnel, ready to fulfil tasks at home and abroad. This figure comprises 8,426 for the Army, 930 for the Air Corps and 1,144 for the Naval Service.
The training opportunities provided by Ireland's participation in Partnership for Peace will further enhance the development of the Defence Forces. In this regard, Ireland's approach to participation in PfP was set out in our presentation document of 1 December 1999, which outlined our five priority areas of participation as: co-operation on international peacekeeping; humanitarian operations; search and rescue; co-operation in the protection of the environment; and co-operation in marine matters.
Ireland's first individual partnership programme – IPP – covered the period up to 31 December 2001. Activities in the year 2001 focused on the enhancement of current skills and expertise in such areas as operational and generic planning for peacekeeping and peace support, communications, command and control, operational procedures and logistics. Our second programme has been drawn up on the basis of experience gained with the initial IPP and it seeks to give practical content to the overall priorities identified in the presentation document.
I should stress that participation in PfP activities 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 accordance with this fundamental principle, all decisions regarding the content and form of the IPP for 2002-03 have been made by the Irish authorities.
The activities selected are training courses, workshops, seminars and table top exercises. It does not involve military manoeuvres or large scale military exercises. Neither are there any plans to hold bilateral or multilateral military exercises with the armed forces of other EU countries.
Question No. 90 answered with Question No. 64.
