Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
4. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the training of at least four members of the Israeli Defence Forces by the Irish Military College since 2017 has, in his opinion, compromised Irish neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13291/24]
View answerI have been advised by Military Management that four Israeli Defence Forces personnel attended training courses conducted at the UN Training School in the Curragh during 2018 and 2019 as follows:
• In 2018 two Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Personnel attended the International Civil Military Relations Course. In the same year one other IDF member attended the International Protection of Civilians Course.
• In 2019 one IDF member attended the International Civil Military Relations Course.
This training, open to all members of the United Nations, as part of Ireland's pledges to the UN regarding training capabilities, does not in any shape or form compromise Ireland's military neutrality.
At the United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial held in Vancouver in 2017, Ireland pledged certain training capabilities for delivery in Ireland at the UN Training School in the Curragh (UNTSI). The military courses were in response to an identified UN need and offered as part of the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. Ireland has successfully delivered on our training pledges to the UN and is strongly recognised for its expertise in delivering these courses, particularly the Protection of Civilians course. Countries who are members of the United Nations can apply to participate on these courses. Military Management has also advised that the costs for these courses are borne by the home nation of the foreign student and that there are currently no plans for Israeli Defence Forces personnel to attend Irish Defence Forces training courses in 2024.
In summary therefore, I wish to assure the Deputy that Ireland’s traditional position of military neutrality, which is characterised by Ireland's non-participation in any military alliance, was not compromised by the attendance of Israeli personnel at UNTSI courses that were open to all UN member states. The Government has been very clear that we have no desire to alter Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.
