Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 May 2012
20 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of any working groups or project teams in which Ireland participates with the European Defence Agency; the costs to the State of participating in each of these; and the number of Defence Force or departmental personnel on secondment to these projects. [24529/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland participates in the framework of the European Defence Agency and I, as the Minister for Defence, represent Ireland on the EDA Steering Board along with Defence Ministers of all participating EU Member States. The primary reason for Ireland's interaction and participation in the EDA is to support the development of Defence Forces capabilities for crisis management and international Peace Support Operations. Since its inception, the Agency has made significant progress on many military capability projects and programmes in support of EU crisis management.
As part of the EDA's annual work programme, Ireland participates in project teams and working groups engaged in the ongoing work in various capability development areas that will be of benefit to the Defence Forces. Ireland engages in project teams dealing with improved communication and network systems for use in operations; health and medical support for military operations, and the development of improved Counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) capability to enable military forces operate safely in an environment where such devices are present. From their experience in dealing with Improvised Explosive Devices, the Defence Forces provide technical advice and support to the Agency. In addition, we participate in project teams dealing with Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear protection (CBRN) which is of benefit both nationally and on military missions overseas and; maritime surveillance which will enhance our capabilities in monitoring marine activities and the maritime environment in Ireland.
The four main initiatives that Ireland is currently involved in are:
The Joint Investment Programme on Force Protection (JIP-FP) which was launched by the Agency in 2007.
The Maritime Surveillance Project launched in 2011.
The Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear protection project launched in 2011.
Ireland has taken a lead role in a Naval Training study, involving a group of eleven Member States, launched in 2012.
Ireland does not have any personnel seconded to the Agency. The majority of meetings and working groups are staffed by a departmental official who is assigned to Ireland's Permanent Representation to the EU. Also, the staffing of some project team meetings and working groups are attended by Departmental and Defence Forces personnel from Ireland on an ad hoc basis. No staff within the Defence Organisation work full time on these initiatives. An estimate of the cost to staff a one day meeting in Brussels would be, on average, in the region of €550.00, which would include flights and accommodation, as appropriate.
In order to maximise the opportunities presented from Ireland's participation in the Agency, the Defence Organisation is consulting with Enterprise Ireland who can promote and assist Irish Industry and Research Institution involvement in potential contract opportunities arising from EDA projects and programmes.
Ireland contributes, on an annual basis, to the operational budget of the Agency. The financial commitment of participants to this budget is in accordance with EDA funding principles, based on the gross national income (GNI) key. In 2011 Ireland's contribution was €284,047 and to date in 2012 we have contributed €209,656 to the operational budget.
