Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 July 2018
163. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to bring forward legislation to give effect to the decision agreed on 25 June 2018 with other EU Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29621/18]
View answerThe decision referred to in the question is the Council Decision of 25 June 2018 establishing a common set of governance rules for PESCO projects.
In line with the Council Recommendation of 6 March 2018 establishing a PESCO roadmap for the way forward, a common set of governance rules for PESCO projects was adopted on 25 June 2018 at the Foreign Affairs Committee held in Luxembourg.
Roles for project participants and the PESCO Secretariat, and responsibilities for project team members are outlined in the Council Decision. The Council Decision itself provides the correct balance between legal clarity and flexibility. Ireland played an important role in the development of the common set of governance rules and welcomes in particular that they reflect the fact that PESCO is a Member State owned and driven initiative.
As the Council Decision details the general internal rules governing PESCO projects, there is no requirement for legislation to bring effect to the decision. Ireland's participation in PESCO, including the relevant projects, was agreed by Government and approved by Dáil Éireann prior to the Council Decision establishing PESCO on 11 December 2017.
