Matt Carthy
Question:155. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the legislative basis on which he approves Irish participation in EU battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7950/24]
View answerTuesday, 20 February 2024
Questions (155)
Written answers
Under Section 3(1) of the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006, a contingent or member of the Permanent Defence Force may, with the prior approval of and on the authority of the Government, be despatched for service outside the State for the purpose of filling appointments or postings (S.3(1)(a)) and conducting or participating in training (S.3(1)(b)). Dáil Éireann approval is not required for the despatch of such personnel.
In January 2023, the Government approved participation by the Defence Forces in the German-led EU Battle group 2024-25 on this basis. This is the eighth occasion where the Defence Forces will take part in an EU Battle group, and the first since 2020.
The decision to participate in an EU Battle group does not presume any further decision in relation to participation in an actual Battle group operation. Any such decision is subject to national decision-making procedures which in Ireland’s case, currently means the triple lock of a UN Mandate and Dáil and Government approval. As such, notwithstanding any agreement on participation in a Battle group, Ireland continues to retain the absolute right to determine for itself, on a case-by-case basis, whether or not to participate in any particular Battle group operation.