Michael Ring
Question:63 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Defence the training programme engaged in by the Defence Forces in preparation for participation in the Rapid Reaction Force. [20457/02]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Training.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:90 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the total commitment of the Defence Forces to the European Rapid Reaction Force in regard to personnel and equipment; if specific additional equipment or investment will be required arising from the RRF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20502/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 90 together.
The White Paper on Defence, published in February 2000, sets out a medium-term strategy for defence covering the period to 2010. A major objective of the strategy is to ensure that Ireland has a world class military organisation capable of carrying out the roles assigned to it by the Government, at home and abroad. This objective requires an ongoing modernisation process, including an investment programme to ensure that the Defence Forces are properly equipped for these roles.
It would be wrong to suggest that expenditure in equipment designed to improve the efficiency, professionalism and safety of the Defence Forces results from our commitments to the Helsinki headline goal. Deputies will recall that the Helsinki headline goal, which is the more accurate description of what is commonly referred to as the Rapid Reaction Force, was developed in the light of the provisions of the Treaty of Amsterdam and derives from decisions taken by European Heads of State and Government at subsequent EU Councils. The headline goal in terms of military capabilities was set at the Helsinki European Council of December 1999. This means that the EU, by 2003, will be able to deploy within 60 days, and sustain for at least one year, up to 60,000 persons capable of carrying out the full range of Petersberg Tasks. It must be emphasised that the achievement of this goal does not involve the establishment of a European army. The commitment and deployment of national troops will be based on sovereign decisions taken by member states.
Ireland's commitment to the headline goal consists of an offer of up to 850 members of the Defence Forces from within our existing commitment of 850 personnel to the United Nations Standby Arrangements System. The preparation of the Defence Forces for participation in the Helsinki headline goal involves the establishment, by the end of 2003, of a military capability that could be made available for Petersberg Tasks operations consisting of an infantry battalion of 750 personnel, a platoon of special forces of 40 personnel, a national support element of 30 personnel, 14 augmentees, ten military observers and a press and media group of six personnel. The necessary Defences Force training plan is in place and progressing satisfactorily.