Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
71. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how many Irish Defence Forces personnel will participate in a German-led EU battlegroup in 2024/2025; if the selection of any personnel through “mandatory selection” will be ruled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50900/23]
View answerIn January of this year, the Irish Government approved the participation by the Defence Forces in the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025. This will be the eighth occasion on which the Defence Forces have been part of an EU Battlegroup and the first since 2020. The Battlegroup will be stood-up during 2024 and will be on standby throughout 2025. Any deployment of Defence Forces' personnel as part of the Battlegroup will be subject to the requirements of the triple lock.
Participation in EU Battlegroups supports the development of rapid deployment skills and capabilities within the Defence Forces, together with improved interoperability with like-minded States. Ireland's participation in EU Battlegroups also reflects Irelands support for the UN, where successive Secretaries General of the UN have endorsed the development of the EU Battlegroup concept and Ireland’s participation therein. Ireland’s active engagement in EU Battlegroups also demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to the development of EU capabilities in the area of crisis management and contributes to our overall credibility within the Union. It also enhances our capacity to influence the ongoing development and evolution of the rapid response capacity of the EU; in particular, the role Battlegroups can play in reinforcing and acting as a strategic reserve for UN blue-hat operations.
It is currently foreseen that the total number of the proposed Defence Forces contribution to the Battlegroup will be approximately 182 personnel. This will be comprised of a Mechanised Infantry Company (with a Company HQ, Infantry platoons and a weapons platoon consisting of 138 personnel) together with a National Support Element (consisting of 34 persons providing the necessary transport, medical, CIS, maintenance and ordnance support) and staff posts of 10 personnel to the Force Headquarters. The Operational Headquarters will be located in Ulm, Germany, while the Force Headquarters will be based in Strasbourg, France. Unlike overseas deployments to UNIFIL for example, Defence Force participants will not be required to be sent overseas for long periods of time. While the period of the Battlegroup is for two years, most of the training and preparation will happen at home and will only require travelling for short term exercises at intervals.
In the event that there are insufficient numbers of volunteer personnel to fulfil all of the mission specific appointments, the Defence Forces may use a process of Mandatory Selection.
