Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
143. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the details of Ireland's contribution to the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025; the total number of personnel posts to be filled by members of the Defence Forces; the number of posts filled to-date by members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12833/24]
View answerIt is currently foreseen that the total number of the proposed Defence Forces contribution to the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025 will be approximately 186 personnel. This will be comprised of a Group HQ consisting of 4 personnel, Mechanised Infantry Company (with a Company HQ, Infantry platoons and a weapons platoon consisting of 139 personnel) together with a National Support Element (consisting of 29 persons providing the necessary transport, medical, CIS, maintenance and ordnance support) and staff posts of 10 personnel to the Force Headquarters. There is also the potential for a further 4 personnel posts in a National Logistics Support Group to be based in Germany to aid the transport of DF equipment.
The Operational Headquarters (OHQ) will be located in Ulm, Germany, while the Force Headquarters (FHQ) is based in Strasbourg, France. Defence Forces personnel commenced their posting to the FHQ in January of this year.
Military management have advised that 81 EUBG appointments have been made to date and the expectation is that these posts will be fully filled in the coming months in advance of the first EUBG training exercise in the autumn.
