Brendan Smith
Question:89. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a progress report on Ireland's EU Presidency in so far as it relates to defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21306/13]
View answerTuesday, 7 May 2013
Questions (89, 96)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:96. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on his work programme for Ireland's EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21326/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 96 together.
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 prioritised a number of areas to progress during our Presidency. These priorities included:
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.
3. Addressing the impact of the Financial Crisis on Defence, (Pooling and Sharing).
4. Enhancing EU/UN Relations;
5. EU cooperation in the area of Maritime Security and Surveillance;
6. Support for Jobs, Growth and Innovation through focusing on the role of SMEs in fostering innovation in the security sector.
In relation to progress made during the Presidency, the key event of the presidency was the Informal meeting of Defence Ministers held in Dublin Castle in February. The Secretary General of NATO, on his first formal visit to Ireland, attended the meeting as did, the UN for the first time and was represented by the Under-Secretary General in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. A range of issues were discussed including the upcoming European Council on Defence, Mali, the Horn of Africa and Partnerships between the EU and the United Nations.
To date, two very successful seminars have also been held in Ireland. The first seminar was on the topic of Regional Organisations Co-Operation with the United Nations in the area of Crisis Management, Peace Support and Peace Enforcement Operations. The second seminar dealt with the issue of Maritime Security and Surveillance. The outcomes have been very positive for both seminars and have stimulated debate in these areas at EU and institutional levels.
In summary, the priorities have centred 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.