Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
77. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans for Ireland's participation in the European Union Common Security and Defence policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28294/23]
View answerThe European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) sets out the EU’s framework in the field of defence and crisis management, including defence cooperation and coordination between Member States.
Ireland is a strong proponent of the important role the EU can play in support of international peace and security and of the UN.
Ireland is engaged with a number of EU defence-related initiatives and frameworks, including the European Defence Agency (EDA), the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the EU Satellite Centre (EU SatCen), the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the European Peace Facility (EPF). The Strategic Compass, endorsed by the European Council last year, outlines the way forward for the European Union in the field of security and defence.
At its core, defence remains a national competence, something borne out by the differing responses and actions taken by EU Member States in the aftermath of the Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.
Participation in EU CSDP does not prejudice the security and defence policy or obligations of any Member State. Given that decision-making power in relation to the Strategic Compass' proposed actions remain a national competence, it remains a matter for Ireland to decide our own way forward.
From decisions on defence investment and orientation taken across the Union to the choices made by Sweden and Finland in applying for NATO membership, Member States have taken such action as best fit their national needs.
Ireland is no different and is a strong supporter of the CSDP, having been an active participant in a number of the European Union’s civilian and military CSDP Missions and Operations.
As of 1 June, Ireland participates in four EU CSDP missions as follows:
• EUTM Mali – eight personnel
• Operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina – five personnel with a further Defence Force member deployed to the Operational Headquarters of the operation in Mons, Belgium
• EUMAM Ukraine – four personnel(one in Brussels and three in Germany)
• Operation Irini – three personnel
Those numbers are augmented from time-to-time by the deployment of small teams of trainers as part of EUMAM Ukraine. One such training module has been delivered in Cyprus and other will shortly be delivered in Germany.
Meanwhile, the LÉ William Butler Yeats will commence operations with Operation Irini in the Mediterranean tomorrow, with a crew of 58 personnel.
It is essential that Ireland remains fully engaged in all CSDP processes and contributes fully to the development of the policy in order that we can influence its evolution, particularly since the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022.
I would also remind the House that the Consultative Forum on International Security will provide an opportunity to examine our current and future engagement in EU CSDP.
