Austin Deasy
Ceist:52 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the role he envisages for the Defence Forces in the European Rapid Reaction Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9094/01]
Written Answers. - European Rapid Reaction Force.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:64 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if any role is envisaged for Irish troops in the near future in the rapid reaction force of the European Union. [8935/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:95 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which military equipment is likely to be upgraded arising from participation in the European Rapid Reaction Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9252/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:102 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the army has been re-equipped in terms of training, communications and equipment in accordance with possible security responsibilities arising from European commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9265/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:103 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the Air Corps is being upgraded and improved in terms of training and equipment in anticipation of future participation in European security activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9266/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:110 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the Air Corps is or has been involved in training activities or air force and or military manoeuvres with the forces of other European Union member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9273/01]
I propose to take Question Nos. 52, 64, 95, 102, 103 and 110 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 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, that is, tasks of crisis management, peacekeeping and humanitarian activities, the national elements of which can only be deployed on foot of decisions by each potential contributor.
As regards any potential EU Petersberg operation, in keeping with the Government's stated position in this area, I 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 commitments made in relation to the EU headline goal must be seen in the context of Ireland's long-standing support for overseas peace support operations authorised by the United Nations. In this regard, the White Paper on defence, published last year, set out key elements of the Government's approach to overseas peace support operations and I refer to a number of the most important and relevant elements.
The White Paper sets out a comprehensive strategy for a reshaping and re-equipping of the Defence Forces to ensure that they are geared for the opportunities and challenges of the changing security and defence environment. This strategy embraces organisation, equipment, training and technology aspects. In this context, the White Paper contains the strategy for the Defence Forces strength and organisation for the next ten years and concluded that the Permanent Defence Force requires a strength of 10,500 personnel, ready to fulfil current tasks at home and abroad. Ireland's commitment of up to 850 members of the Defence Forces to the EU headline goal is to be met from within the United Nations stand-by arrangements system, UNSAS, commitment of 850 members on overseas service at any time.
In relation to military training, the White Paper recognised that the primary focus of the Defence Forces when not engaged in operations, is training and preparation. As a reflection of the evolving defence and security environment, increased emphasis will be placed on exercises stressing interoperability, procedures and doctrine. Since this Government came into office, very significant progress has been achieved in investment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces. An unprecedented level of investment has been made since then and the investment situation continues to improve following decisions made on the White Paper on defence.
The White Paper on Defence sets out a very positive, developmental approach to defence in Ireland for the next ten years. It involves a new, unprecedented £250 million investment programme in equipment and infrastructure. This programme will ensure that Ireland has a modern, sustainable defence organisation, second to none, with the depth and flexibility to respond to future demands.
As detailed in the White Paper, the Government decided that the State will not seek to commit Air Corps equipment resources to an overseas operation. In a situation where there are many demands on resources, it would not be reasonable to participate beyond the domestic context. As part of their normal training, Air Corps personnel attend specific training courses abroad from time to time. In 2000, two officers attended a basic survival course and two officers-NCOs attended a flight safety course with the RAF in the UK. These are annual activities. No conventional military operational activity was undertaken with EU member states.
Following the publication of the White Paper, I announced a major investment programme for the Air Corps with £55 million available over three years for the purchase of new aircraft. The tender competition for the provision of medium lift helicopters is progressing well and it is expected that the Department will be in a position to place a contract in the middle of this year.
The new equipment and building programmes are a top priority for me. The programmes will ensure that the Defence Forces will develop as a world class military organisation, in which people are proud to serve.