Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 October 2015
14. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the co-ordinated strategies that will be put in place for 2016 regarding the European Union Naval Force Operation–Mediterranean; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34258/15]
View answerThe EU military mission EUNAVFOR MED is one element of a comprehensive approach to addressing the migration crisis in the South Central Mediterranean. The Council Decision to launch the mission was adopted at the formal Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 22 June 2015.
The operation will be implemented in sequential phases and the first phase, to support the detection and monitoring of migration networks through information gathering and patrolling in accordance with international law, is completed. The second phase involving the targeting, seizure and diversion of the vessels of human smugglers and traffickers is divided into two parts -
Part (i) to undertake these actions on the high seas under the conditions provided for by applicable international law, including UNCLOS and the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants, and
Part (ii), in accordance with any applicable UN Security Council Resolution or consent of the coastal State concerned, to undertake these actions on the high seas or in the territorial and internal waters of that State, under the conditions set out in that Resolution or consent.
The third phase will involve taking all necessary measures against vessels including through disposal or rendering them inoperable and will also require a UN Security Council Resolution or consent of the coastal State concerned.
On 14 September, the General Affairs Council (GAC) adopted the assessment that conditions have been met to move to Phase 2 Part (i). In accordance with the Council Decision of 18 May establishing the mission, the Political Security Committee (PSC) agreed the legal decision on 28 September to make the transition to Phase Two, Part (i). Ireland which is fully supportive of the EU approach to this crisis, reaffirmed its political support for the transition to Phase 2 Part (i) at these meetings. Phase 2 Part (i) on the EUNAVFOR Mission commenced yesterday.
Consideration of participation by the Defence Forces in EU NAVFOR MED will only occur if there is a UN Security Council Resolution and the applicable National statutory requirements are met. I understand that discussions on a draft Security Council Resolution are ongoing.
