Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 17 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 5

Written Answers. - Partnership for Peace.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

60 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence the upcoming exercises or operations, if any, planned under Partnership for Peace; and if Ireland has received any invitations to take part in joint NATO/PfP exercises such as Operation BALTOPS. [4487/00]

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

90 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Defence the equipment necessary for the Defence Forces in order to participate effectively in Partnership for Peace training exercises. [4611/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

125 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps and Naval Service will become involved in training with other forces in Partnership for Peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4750/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

128 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the discussions, if any, he has had with the authorities in respect of Partnership for Peace with particular reference to changes required in military operations, strategy and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4753/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 90, 125 and 128 together.

The areas of interest to Ireland in Partnership for Peace are set out in the Presentation Docu ment which was approved by Dáil Éireann on 9 November, 1999 and which was presented to the NATO Secretariat upon signature by Ireland of the PfP framework document on 1 December, 1999.

On the basis of its Presentation Document Ireland will develop, in consultation with the NATO Secretariat, an Individual Partnership Programme which will cover a two year period initially and which will set out the level and extent of proposed participation in such areas as co-operation in peacekeeping principles, doctrine, training and exercises and inter-operability in peacekeeping operations. Arrangements are currently being put in place to advance the development of Ireland's individual partnership programme.

It is the policy of the Government to ensure that the Defence Forces are adequately trained, equipped and resourced to undertake whatever operations they may be tasked with in line with Ireland's individual partnership programme for participation in PfP.

Participation in a future NATO-PfP exercise such as BALTOPS will be considered should an invitation to participate be received in my Department. No such invitation has been received.