Written Answers Nos 1-20
11. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the defence issues he is prioritising with other EU countries during the Irish Presidency of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6190/13]
View answer19. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Defence his priorities during Ireland's EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6204/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 19 together.
Since the coming into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, now conducts the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy assisted by the European External Action Service. The EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy forms an integral part of the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. In the area of Common Security and Defence Policy, the role of the Presidency is now limited to supporting the High Representative and the European External Action Service in this regard. However, that said, this arrangement provides Ireland with an opportunity to influence the Common Security and Defence Policy agenda.
As part of Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council 2013 I have prioritised a number of areas that I would like to progress during our Presidency. These priorities are:
1. Preparations for the European Council in December 2013, which will include a thematic discussion on security and defence/military capabilities.
2. Continued development of the Common Security and Defence Policy and the Comprehensive approach to crisis management.
3. Addressing the impact of the Financial Crisis on Defence, including collaboration in the provision of Defence capabilities (Pooling and Sharing).
4. Support for current and future Common Security and Defence Policy Operations.
5. Enhancing EU/UN Relations, in particular, through EU engagement and participation in UN Peacekeeping;
6. EU cooperation in the area of Maritime Security and Surveillance with a particular focus on improving cooperation between EU Navies and other EU security actors and leveraging innovation through security sector research and development;
7. Development of capabilities in support of Common Security and Defence Policy and Freedom, Security and Justice through enhanced cooperation between the European Defence Agency and the European Commission in the field of research and innovation in the security sector.
8. Support for Jobs, Growth and Innovation through focusing on the role of SMEs in fostering innovation in the security sector.
Also, in response to external developments, other issues may arise which warrant detailed discussion and decisions to be taken.
In summary, the topics discussed during our Presidency will centre on how Ireland and the Union as a whole can contribute to the enhancement of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, a critical component of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, which is central to the achievement of Ireland’s foreign policy objectives.
12. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the details of what is contained in the Green Paper on the Future of Ireland's Defence Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6080/13]
View answer37. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Defence the date on which the Green Paper on Defence will be published. [6125/13]
View answer42. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the details of what is contained in the Green Paper on the Future of Ireland's Defence Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6081/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 37 and 42 together.
I am of the view that the preparation for a new White Paper on Defence will benefit greatly from an informed and wide-ranging debate on Ireland’s defence policy. To that end I decided to initiate the preparation of a Green Paper on Defence. When published, the Green Paper will initiate and inform a broad consultative process as part of the development of a new White Paper.
A draft Green Paper was submitted to me recently for my consideration. The approach taken is to assess the defence and security environment and on this basis to pose questions to inform the debate on Defence policy.
I will shortly bring a Memorandum for Government to Cabinet seeking formal approval to publish the document and to initiate the consultation process to inform the White Paper on Defence.
The views of members of the public and other interested parties on defence policy and defence provision will be welcomed during the consultative phase.
The new White Paper on Defence is scheduled for completion in early 2014.
13. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence if he expects Irish troops currently in Uganda training Somali forces to move to Mogadishu; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6186/13]
View answer24. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the Irish presence in the EUTM Somalia, EU-led training mission in Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6209/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 24 together.
On the 7 April 2010, the EU launched a Military Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) in order to contribute to strengthening the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the institutions of Somalia. This support continues to take place within the framework of the EU's comprehensive engagement in Somalia, with a view to responding to the priority needs of the Somali people and its new Government and to stabilizing Somalia. Training has been provided in Uganda in close collaboration with the Ugandan Defence Forces due to the political and security situation in Somalia.
Following Government approval, the Defence Forces have been serving with EUTM Somalia since April 2010. Ireland took over operational command of the mission in August 2011, with the appointment of Colonel Michael Beary of the Defence Forces. In December 2012, the Government approved continued participation in the mission, for a further period of one year to December 2013. Ireland currently has ten (10) personnel serving with the mission.
On 22 January 2013, the Council adopted a decision extending the mandate of EUTM Somalia until March 2015. The new EUTM Somalia mandate involves a significant change of focus of the mission from Uganda to Somalia. In this regard, the EU is planning to gradually move the mission’s training activities from Uganda to Mogadishu in Somalia in the near future, but this is dependent on security conditions in Somalia. The Council has appointed another Irish officer, Brigadier General Gerald Aherne, as the new Mission Commander from 1 February 2013. EUTM is playing a very important role in strengthening the capacity of the Somali army, with a view to the long-term sustainable development of the country’s security forces.
15. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence his plans with regard to the Army Equitation School; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6184/13]
View answer38. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the plans that are in place for the future of the Army Equitation school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6199/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 38 together.
I have no plans to make changes to the operation of the Army Equitation School. The mission of the School is to promote the Irish horse through participation in international competition at the highest level. The Equitation School has discharged this task with considerable distinction down through the years and, through its participation and numerous successes in equitation events at home and abroad, it has successfully promoted the qualities of the Irish horse. Army riders competing on Irish bred horses provide an instantly recognisable symbol of Ireland at prestigious international events. In addition to its competition activity, the Equitation School continues to support the Irish horse industry and it encourages breeders and producers, who may have horses suitable for top-level competition, to have them assessed by the School with a view to their purchase or lease. I believe that the Army Equitation School is an emblematic feature of the Defence Forces and that it plays an important role in the promotion of Irish horses and the Irish horse industry.
16. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Defence his views on the invitation of NATO's Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. James Appathurai, to speak at a defence seminar organised as part of the Irish Presidency of the EU. [6096/13]
View answerAs part of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council 2013 a seminar was organised to discuss and examine how more effective co-operation and the building of partnerships both across regional organisations and between these organisations and the UN could be fostered. This was undertaken in order to enhance the effectiveness of UN mandated peacekeeping operations. A wide range of speakers were invited to attend the seminar including from the European Union, the United Nations, the African Union, NATO and from academia.
Close cooperation between NATO and the UN and its agencies is an important element in the development of an international “Comprehensive Approach” to crisis management and operations.
It is important to note that UN Security Council resolutions have provided the mandate for NATO’s operations in the Western Balkans and in Afghanistan. Ireland participated in the NATO led operations in the Western Balkans and in Afghanistan. More recently, NATO’s operation to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas under threat of attack in Libya in 2011 was carried out in support of UN Security Council Resolution 1973.
NATO has also provided support to UN-sponsored operations, including logistical assistance to the African Union’s UN-endorsed peacekeeping operations in Darfur, Sudan, and in Somalia; support for UN disaster-relief operations in Pakistan, following the massive earthquake in 2005; and escorting merchant ships carrying World Food Programme humanitarian supplies off the coast of Somalia.
Like the EU and the African Union, NATO shares a commitment with the UN to maintaining international peace and security and the two organisations have been cooperating in this area since the early 1990s.
In view of this, it was decided to invite a speaker to provide the discussion with the view from NATO on how they actively enhance co-operation with the United Nations. Without the attendance of a representative from NATO the debate, and those attending, would have missed an opportunity to hear, firsthand, the views of that organisation.
I spoke at the opening of the seminar and attended a number of sessions. I am of the view that the attendance of all the regional organisations including NATO was very worthwhile and attendees heard the full range of views of the organisations concerned.
17. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the Irish presence in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan; the nature of the duties being undertaken by the Defence Forces personnel there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6212/13]
View answer34. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the participation of Irish Defence Forces personnel in the NATO-led UN mandated operation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6084/13]
View answer147. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the Defence Forces presence in Afghanistan; the nature of the duties being undertaken by the personnel there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6411/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 34 and 147 together.
On 20 December 2001, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1386 under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, authorising the establishment of an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. On 9 October 2012, the UN Security Council extended ISAF’s mandate for a further year until October 2013.Ireland has participated in the NATO–led UN mandated mission in Afghanistan since 5 July 2002, following the Government Decision of 2 July 2002, authorising the provision of seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the force. The continued participation by seven (7) members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF is reviewed annually by the Government. The most recent decision by the Government was on 26 June 2012, when it agreed to continue to provide seven members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with ISAF for a further period from July 2012, subject to ongoing review by the Minister for Defence. Planning for the drawdown of ISAF generally is currently ongoing and the withdrawal of the Defence Forces personnel from the mission will be coordinated within the context of the overall ISAF drawdown plan.
The seven Defence Forces personnel currently participating in the ISAF are all located in ISAF HQ, Kabul and work in staff appointments in planning and administrative roles. I am satisfied that the work carried out by these personnel, particularly by those in the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) cell, represents an important contribution to this UN mandated mission.
