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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 2

Written Answers. - EU Presidency.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

97 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Defence the priorities of his Department in respect of Ireland's Presidency of the European Union in 2004; if his attention has been drawn to the interest being generated by these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22671/03]

European security and defence policy is the EU policy area of concern to my Department. In this regard, great progress has been achieved by successive EU Presidencies towards developing the EU's capability to carry out Petersberg Task operations such as peacekeeping, humanitarian and peace support operations.

In 2003, the operational capability of the European Union was demonstrated through the launching of three ESDP operations, the EU Police Mission (EUPM) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Operation CONCORDIA in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Operation ARTEMIS in Bunia, the Democratic Republic of Congo. These operations have made significant contributions to peace and stability in their respective areas of operations.

Ireland will receive a mandate to progress ESDP from the European Council at the end of the Italian Presidency which will cover the full spectrum of ESDP issues e.g., conflict prevention, the civilian aspects of crisis management and the military aspects of crisis management. While I do not wish to pre-empt this mandate, key priorities for my Department are likely to relate to the ongoing development of military capabilities in the context of ESDP, issues relating to possible future EU Petersberg Task operations, the management of an EU crisis management exercise and the continued development of EU-UN and EU-NATO relations.

During Ireland's Presidency of the EU, my Department will also be responsible for co-ordinating the ministerial air transport service and any Defence Forces aid to the civil power, where appropriate, in order to provide logistical support.

With regard to the hosting of the Presidency, the Government intends that the same business-like professional approach which characterised our previous EU Presidencies will again be the hallmark of the forthcoming Presidency.

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