Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
245. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the Common Security and Defence Policy missions the State is currently participating in; the purpose/role of such involvement; the number of Defence Forces personnel deployed overseas, by mission or operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28484/23]
View answerThe EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) provides the European Union with an operational capacity to deploy civilian and military missions and operations abroad. Their tasks range from conflict prevention and peace-keeping, crisis management, joint disarmament operations, and military advice and assistance tasks to humanitarian and rescue and post-conflict stabilisation tasks.
CSDP missions and operations contribute to global security, both abroad and at home. Their aim is to help prevent or resolve conflicts and crises, enhance the capacities of partners and, ultimately, protect the European Union and its citizens.
Ireland currently participates in four EU CSDP Military missions and operations, with twenty one Defence Forces personnel deployed as of 1 June 2023.
Eight Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed with EUTM Mali, five with Operation Althea in Boznia and Herzegovina with a further DF member deployed to the EU OHQ of the operation in Mons, Belgium , four with EUMAM Ukraine (one in Brussels and three in Germany) and three are deployed to EUNAVFOR MED Operation Irini's operational headquarters in Rome.
Alongside those deployed full time to administrative positions with the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), Defence Forces engagement with this mission involves the provision of training to members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in response to their identified needs. Defence Forces training teams are deployed for short periods to deliver specific training modules in conjunction with EU and international partners. All training is taking place on the territory of EU Member States. Some elements of training have already been undertaken by the Defence Forces.
|
Mission |
# |
Purpose |
|
EUFOR Operation Althea (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
The primary focus of EUFOR is on the maintenance and stability of a safe and secure environment, especially supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
Representative/Adviser |
|
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission) |
8 |
To train and mentor the Malian Armed Forces, so as to improve their military capacity and their effectiveness in securing the country’s territorial integrity |
|
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ) |
3 |
To contribute to preventing arms trafficking within its agreed areas of operation in accordance with UNSC resolutions |
|
EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) |
4 |
Provision of training to members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in response to their identified needs. Defence Forces training teams are deployed for short periods to deliver specific training modules in conjunction with EU and international partners. All training is taking place on the territory of EU. |
