Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.
Jack Wall
Ceist:
33
Mr. Wall
asked the
Minister for Defence
if his attention has been drawn to comments made by the outgoing chief of the UK Defence Forces (details supplied) suggesting that the Army is capable of only simple military tasks and soft peacekeeping; his response to the comments; if the comments have been raised with the British authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[8997/01]
Austin Deasy
Ceist:
37
Mr. Deasy
asked the
Minister for Defence
if his attention has been drawn to the remarks attributed to the outgoing Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces (details supplied) who expressed the view that Irish soldiers would not be capable of performing front line duties if the new European Rapid Reaction Force were drawn into conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9095/01]
I propose to take Question Nos. 33 and 37 together.
I would like to clarify any confusion arising from the description of the capabilities for the EU Headline Goal as a rapid reaction force. The response capacity currently being developed by the EU, and frequently described as a rapid reaction force, is emphatically not a standing army. Rather, it constitutes a catalogue of capabilities available to provide the means to carry out Petersberg Tasks, tasks of crisis management, peace keeping and humanitarian activities, the national elements of which can only be deployed on foot of decisions by each potential contributor.
Ireland has a long and distinguished record of involvement in a wide range of UN peacekeeping missions in diverse operating environments. The commitments made in relation to the EU Headline Goal must be seen in the context of continuing Ireland's long-standing support for overseas peace support operations authorised by the United Nations.
As regards any potential EU Petersberg operation, in keeping with the Government's stated position in this area, I would reiterate that Ireland will approach each mission on a case by case basis and only participate in operations authorised by the UN as comprehended by the appropriate legislation, that is the Defence Act, 1954, the Defence (Amendment) No. 2 Act, 1960, and the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1993.
The comments made by General Guthrie have not been raised with the British authorities. I would not consider it appropriate to respond to informal comments of this nature made by an outgoing Chief of Defence Forces.
