Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 February 2013
11. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the defence issues he is prioritising with other EU countries during the Irish Presidency of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6190/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra19. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Defence his priorities during Ireland's EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6204/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 19 together.
Since the coming into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, now conducts the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy assisted by the European External Action Service. The EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy forms an integral part of the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. In the area of Common Security and Defence Policy, the role of the Presidency is now limited to supporting the High Representative and the European External Action Service in this regard. However, that said, this arrangement provides Ireland with an opportunity to influence the Common Security and Defence Policy agenda.
As part of Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council 2013 I have prioritised a number of areas that I would like to progress during our Presidency. These priorities are:
1. Preparations for the European Council in December 2013, which will include a thematic discussion on security and defence/military capabilities.
2. Continued development of the Common Security and Defence Policy and the Comprehensive approach to crisis management.
3. Addressing the impact of the Financial Crisis on Defence, including collaboration in the provision of Defence capabilities (Pooling and Sharing).
4. Support for current and future Common Security and Defence Policy Operations.
5. Enhancing EU/UN Relations, in particular, through EU engagement and participation in UN Peacekeeping;
6. EU cooperation in the area of Maritime Security and Surveillance with a particular focus on improving cooperation between EU Navies and other EU security actors and leveraging innovation through security sector research and development;
7. Development of capabilities in support of Common Security and Defence Policy and Freedom, Security and Justice through enhanced cooperation between the European Defence Agency and the European Commission in the field of research and innovation in the security sector.
8. Support for Jobs, Growth and Innovation through focusing on the role of SMEs in fostering innovation in the security sector.
Also, in response to external developments, other issues may arise which warrant detailed discussion and decisions to be taken.
In summary, the topics discussed during our Presidency will centre on how Ireland and the Union as a whole can contribute to the enhancement of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, a critical component of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, which is central to the achievement of Ireland’s foreign policy objectives.
