Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
168. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeline in which he intends to bring forward proposals to establish a network of military attaches comprised of Defence Forces personnel to serve in Irish diplomatic missions abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1942/24]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence recognised the need for the Department of Defence to continue to engage in developing and deepening bilateral relations with potential like-minded partners to secure Ireland’s position in current and future international crisis management operations. The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces further supported this view. A joint civilian/military project team was formed to examine options in this respect and a project was formally initiated in May 2023.
The project aims to explore the benefits to Ireland of establishing a Defence Attaché (DA) network, to look at the potential appropriate composition and duties of the role of a Defence Attaché, and to consider how such a network could build on existing bilateral relations. The project also aims to explore the deployment of a DA in one of the Irish embassies of strategic value and importance to Defence and Foreign Policy goals where strong engagement exists on defence matters. Consultations have taken place with a range of stakeholders including with the Department of Foreign Affairs, reflecting their longstanding experience in respect of postings.
The project is close to completion and it is at that stage the report and its findings, including timelines will be fully finalised.
