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Defence Forces Deployment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2013

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

Questions (126, 127)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

126. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his role with the Department of Defence in determining the deployment of members of the Defence Forces on EU training missions; the reason the EU training mission in Somalia has seen a decrease in the number of Irish Defence Force personnel stationed there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49043/13]

View answer

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

127. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Defence Forces deployment with the EU training mission in Somalia is to continue in 2014 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49088/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.

The decision-making process in relation to the participation of the Defence Forces in EU Training Missions, such as EUTM Somalia, is the same as the process involved in all deployments to UN-authorised peacekeeping and crisis management operations overseas.

Possible participation by the Defence Forces is considered in the first instance by my colleague, the Minister for Defence, on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular deployment, a number of factors are taken into account, including the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate which has the potential to contribute to a political solution; consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy; and the degree of risk involved. My Department works closely with the Department of Defence in advising on the foreign policy considerations to be taken into account in the decision to deploy.

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. Ireland’s participation in EUTM Somalia, which has been led by an Irish Force Commander since 2011, has formed an important part of Ireland’s contribution to efforts to support peace and stability in the country. There are currently eight members of the Defence Forces serving with EUTM Somalia, and my Department has seconded a civilian Political Advisor to the mission since September 2013.

Following a change in the mandate of the mission in January 2013, EUTM Somalia is gradually moving its activities from Uganda to Mogadishu. It has also refocused its activities towards strategic-level mentoring and advice to the Somali Ministry of Defence and General Staff, along with support and advice on Security Sector Development. Subject to security conditions in Mogadishu, the move is expected to be completed in January. Participation in EUTM Somalia is reviewed by the Government on an annual basis. Government approval is required for the continued participation of the Defence Forces in the mission beyond 31 December 2013. Proposals in this regard will be brought to Government by my colleague, the Minister for Defence, in the coming weeks. Ireland will hand over the role of Force Commander in Spring 2014, therefore it is anticipated this may result in a small reduction in the number of personnel deployed.

The Irish Government’s new Policy for International Development, which I launched last May, re-affirms Ireland’s commitment to promoting stability and development in countries that are experiencing fragility, such as Somalia. We will continue to support Somalia as it transitions to stability and we will build on the €41 million in humanitarian and development assistance provided by Ireland to Somalia since 2007.

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