Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 February 2010
422 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence when Irish troops will be withdrawn from Kosovo and Bosnia; if any Irish military personnel will remain; the savings to the taxpayer here; if the equivalent of the savings could be allocated for the development of the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9118/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in the budget in December 2009, it has been decided that the Defence Forces commitments to overseas peace support operations will be scaled back in 2010 as one of the budgetary expenditure reductions. The operations where Ireland will be reducing its commitments will be NATO led mission in Kosovo (KFOR) and Operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In April 2010, at the next rotation of this mission, it is planned to draw-down Irish personnel from KFOR from the current 236 personnel to approximately 50 personnel, and to retain a small residual component post October 2010.
In July 2010, at the end of the next rotation to Operation ALTHEA, Ireland will reduce its current contribution of 44 personnel to approximately 5 personnel.
Reductions in the numbers of personnel serving in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina will achieve savings of up to €7 million in 2010 and nearly €13 million in a full year. The savings referred to relate specifically to the Defence Vote.
Regarding the funding of development in this region, the EU continues to commit financial and other assistance to the Balkan region. The question of such funding by Ireland is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
423 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the cost to date of Ireland’s involvement in the European Nordic Battle-group. [9205/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2009, the Government approved Ireland's participation in the Swedish-led Nordic Battlegroup 2011. The Nordic Battlegroup 2011 will be on standby for 6 months commencing on the 1st January 2011. To date Ireland has deployed four Officers to serve in staff posts at the Force Headquarters in Enkoping, Sweden and these officers took up their duties on the 28th August 2009.
The total cost to date of Ireland's involvement in the Nordic Battlegroup 2011 consists solely of the foreign allowance payments made to these four Officers and amounts to €137,085.73. Foreign allowance payments consist mainly of a local post allowance, rent allowance, children's foreign service allowance, a cost of living allowance, medical expenses and other miscellaneous expenses.
There have been no equipment procurement costs incurred to date for specific equipment for the Nordic Battlegroup 2011.
