Skip to main content
Normal View

European Union

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 September 2021

Tuesday, 21 September 2021

Questions (340, 341, 342, 343)

Mick Barry

Question:

340. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Defence his views on the proposal outlined by the President of the European Commission in their State of the Union address to the European Parliament for a joint situational awareness centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44982/21]

View answer

Mick Barry

Question:

341. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Defence if he will participate in the summit on European Defence that is due to be convened by the European Commission President and the French President under the French Presidency of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44983/21]

View answer

Mick Barry

Question:

342. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Defence the discussions that he and his officials have had in relation to the proposed EU-NATO Joint Declaration to be presented before the end of 2021; his views on further EU-NATO cooperation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44984/21]

View answer

Mick Barry

Question:

343. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Defence his views on the ideas outlined by the President of the European Commission in their State of the Union address to the European Parliament in which they pointed to EU military missions independent of the UN and NATO combining civilian and military missions, their support for a European Defence Union and their call for political will to use troops outside the EU improving interoperability of fighter jets and military drones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44985/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 to 343, inclusive, together.

In the course of her wide-ranging State of the Union Address to the European Parliament last week, President von der Leyen made a number of remarks on defence-related issues. Some of the issues referenced in the President's speech will require further elaboration and may require specific proposals from the European Commission. Ireland will engage constructively in relation to any such proposals.

The EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) gives the EU the capacity to undertake peacekeeping and conflict prevention missions and to strengthen international security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. Ireland has been and continues to be a consistent supporter and full participant in its development. Participation in the CSDP does not prejudice the security and defence policy of any Member State, including Ireland, or their obligations.

In order to facilitate cooperation between the defence forces of EU Member States when deployed on overseas peacekeeping or crisis management missions, a desire for improved interoperability has frequently been expressed. By developing common standards with regard to training and equipment, many issues which would otherwise be encountered during these types of deployment can be minimised or eliminated.

In terms of EU-NATO co-operation, we have consistently said that we welcome greater co-operation where that co-operation contributes to international peace and security and where it is focused on avoiding duplication of structures, systems and interoperability standards as this ensures better coherence and effectiveness on the ground in peace support and crisis management operations.

Work on the development of the text of a new EU-NATO Joint Declaration is ongoing at an institutional level between the EU and NATO. As such this Declaration will be agreed between the leaders of the two institutions rather than individual EU Member States / NATO Allies.

Meanwhile, Ireland will continue our existing cooperation with NATO through the Partnership for Peace. The primary aim of Ireland’s PfP participation is to enhance the Defence Forces’ interoperability with other professional military forces for the purpose of engaging in UN authorised peacekeeping and peace support operations led by the UN, EU or NATO.

In relation to the President's proposed Summit on European Defence next year, I expect that the Commission and the French Presidency of the Council will provide further details of the meeting early next year.

Finally, on the issue of a European Defence Union, I await specific proposals and further elaboration of the President's remarks, including in relation to the creation of a "Joint Situational Awareness Centre", suggested as a means of improving intelligence cooperation within and between Member States.

However, I would recall that, within the EU, it is accepted that defence and security is a national competence and that any decisions, including any deepening of EU cooperation, require unanimity. Any new proposals in this regard will have to be in accordance with Ireland’s policy of military neutrality, as reflected in the 2015 White Paper on Defence.

Question No. 341 answered with Question No. 340.
Question No. 342 answered with Question No. 340.
Top
Share