Bernard J. Durkan
Question:122 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which Irish military personnel have received or will receive training through involvement in PFP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20852/02]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Training.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:124 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to upgrade aspects of military training and equipment in anticipation of participation in PFP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20854/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 124 together.
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 and included some 89 activities, consisting mainly of training courses, seminars, conferences and table top exercises. Ireland's second IPP, covering the period 2002-03 was drawn up on the basis of experience gained with the initial IPP and it continues to give practical content to the overall priorities identified in the presentation document. This second IPP contains a total of 125 activities aimed at participation by the Defence Forces, Civil Defence, civil staffs from the Department of Defence, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Communication, Marine and Natural Resources and the Department of the Environment and Local Government. 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 and therefore has no bearing on Ireland's commitment to the EU headline goal. 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 details of the IPP activities for 2002-03 have been placed in the Oireachtas Library. The training opportunities provided by Ireland's participation in Partnership for Peace will further enhance the development of the Defence Forces consistent with the objectives of the Government White Paper on Defence published in February, 2000.
In this regard, the White Paper sets out existing equipment programmes. Future equipment requirements are the subject of examination within my Department by the High Level Civil-Military 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 Force 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.