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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 3

Written Answers. - Partnership for Peace.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

47 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if Ireland is expected to upgrade its military capability in the context of Partnership for Peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14071/02]

Participation in PfP activities 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.

Existing equipment programmes were set out in the White Paper on Defence. Future equipment requirements are the subject of examination within my Department by the high level civilmilitary planning and procurement group established under the White Paper and are being funded from within the existing procurement financial provisions and savings realised from the reduction in Permanent Defence Forces personnel numbers and the sale of property which is surplus to requirements. Participation in Partnership for Peace does not impose any new commitments in the area of procurement.

The White Paper on Defence recognises that the primary focus of the Defence Forces, when not engaged on operations, is training and preparation. The appropriate training for all Defence Forces formations and units is based on conventional military doctrine to prepare them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government, including overseas peace support operations.

To date the Defence Forces have, and continue to, participate in PfP partnership programmes and the PfP planning and review process, PARP, with a view to enhancing interoperability with our PfP partners. The aim is to create the conditions in which different contingents can work together efficiently and effectively in peace support operations.

The details of Ireland's participation in PfP are set out in our two Individual Partnership Programmes IPP's the first of which covered the period up to 31 December 2001 and the second which covers the period 2002-03. Both of the IPP's have been lodged in the Dáil Library. Activities consist of training courses, seminars, workshops, conferences and table top exercises.

Questions No. 48 to 50, inclusive, answered with Question No. 18.
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