Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2019
31. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for Ireland to participate in further PESCO projects; if so, the details of those projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16958/19]
View answerIreland's participation in PESCO was agreed by Government and approved by Dáil Éireann prior to the Council Decision establishing PESCO on 11 December 2017. As a participant in PESCO, Ireland is required to participate in one PESCO project.
There are currently 34 PESCO Projects that are being developed covering areas such as training, land, maritime, air, cyber, and joint enabling. The initial list of 17 projects to be developed under PESCO was established in the Council Decision on 6 March 2018 and the second list of 17 additional projects was established in the Council Decision on 19 November 2018.
Ireland is currently a participant in two PESCO projects - (1) The European Union Training Mission Competence Centre and (2) Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance from the initial list of PESCO Projects, and have observer status on a further eight PESCO projects - six from the initial list and two from the second list.
The third round of PESCO project proposals is expected to be launched in May 2019. Following an assessment and selection process by the PESCO secretariat in collaboration with the participating Member States, it is anticipated that the selection of the third phase of PESCO projects will take place in September 2019. It is during this period that Ireland will make the determination as to whether to participate in further PESCO projects.
