Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2019
18. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which European defence and security will continue to be provided for in the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45734/19]
View answerAs I have said previously, the outcome of the vote of 23 June 2016 in the UK will have implications across all aspects of the business of the European Union, including in the area of defence. While the vote does not give rise to fundamental strategic issues for Defence Forces operations or for Ireland’s continuing engagement with the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), it is expected that Brexit will be a factor in future developments in the Defence sphere within the EU.
Notwithstanding Brexit, the UK will remain a significant security and defence actor in Europe with the potential to contribute to the EU’s comprehensive approach to crisis management operations across both the civil and military domains. The nature of that potential contribution to EU CSDP missions and operations and to initiatives such as PESCO, are being considered within the EU institutions and with the UK.
Ireland is positively disposed to the UK continuing to play an active role, as a 3rd country participant, in contributing to CSDP missions and operations and to adding value to PESCO projects when the rules governing 3rd country participation have been agreed.
As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for on-island security in Ireland rests with An Garda Síochána, while the Revenue Commissioners also have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate.
