Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
883. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence if staff from either his Department or the Defence Forces have been seconded to the EU military planning and conduct capability structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39418/21]
View answerThe EU's Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) was established on 08 June 2017 with the aim of enabling the EU to react in a faster, more efficient and effective manner as a security provider outside its borders. The MPCC is responsible for the operational planning and conduct of the EU’s non-executive military missions. It comprises personnel deployed by EU member States to support the overall planning function of the EU Military Staff in respect of CSDP Operations. Ireland is currently engaged in a range of CSDP operations and having members of the Defence Forces deployed within the MPCC is an essential element in supporting those operations and maintaining situational awareness.
Ireland currently has one (1) officer seconded to the EU Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) until 07 Aug 2022. While there are no plans at present to deploy additional officers to the MPCC, such matters are kept under review on an ongoing basis.
The Department of Defence does not have any civil servants on secondment to the MPCC.
