Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2022
13. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish troops that are to be deployed as part of the Ukraine training detachment from the EU; the arrangements for their safety and security during this work; the command structure under which they will operate and if they will be operating as part of a cohesive larger EU military training mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57853/22]
View answer21. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on Ireland’s involvement in the EU military assistance mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine); if the training of Ukrainian soldiers on EU soil has begun; if not, the timeline for when it is expected to begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58220/22]
View answer31. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence Ireland's involvement in the EU's training of Ukrainian defence force members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57653/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 21 and 31 together.
On 15 November, the Council of the European Union launched the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).
The aim of the mission, formally established on 17 October, is to enhance the military capability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to allow them to defend Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders, as well as to protect the civilian population. The mission will operate on a needs-based approach, answering to Ukrainian training needs.
EUMAM Ukraine has a non-executive mandate to provide individual, collective and specialised training to up to 15 000 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel over multiple locations in the territory of EU member states. The Mission Commander will be the Director of the EU's Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC).
While it has always been and remains a matter for each Member State to decide whether or not to participate in any given military or civilian CSDP mission or operation, I am supportive of Ireland’s participation in the mission. Ireland has already been invited to fill a senior staff position in the mission’s Operational Headquarters, which will operate within the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) in Brussels.
Consideration is now being given to other areas where the Defence Forces could contribute, based on an assessment of the identified needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
To be clear, there is no question of Irish Defence Forces’ personnel being deployed to Ukraine as part of this mission, and no other EU Member State intends to send personnel to Ukraine. All of the training will be provided on the territory of the European Union, primarily in Poland and Germany, but potentially in any Member State.
