Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2015
86. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence his views on Ireland's participation in a European Union battlegroup, led by Germany, to be established in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41205/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraParticipation in EU Battlegroups demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the development of EU capabilities in the area of crisis management and contributes to our overall credibility within the Union. Ireland's continuing active engagement in EU Battlegroups enhances our capacity to influence the ongoing development and evolution of the rapid response capacity of the EU, in particular, the role Battlegroups can play in reinforcing and acting as a strategic reserve for UN operations. The United Nations strongly supports the development of Battlegroups as a capability that could be made available in support of UN mandated missions. It also supports the development of rapid deployment skills and capabilities within the Defence Forces, together with improved interoperability with like-minded States. Participation in EU Battlegroups further supports Ireland’s international security and defence policy and enhances our bilateral relations with contributing Member States.
The 2016 German led Battlegroup will comprise Germany, acting as Framework Nation, Ireland, Luxembourg, Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. The total number of Irish Defence Forces personnel involved in this Battlegroup will be approximately 175 personnel. The Defence Forces contribution will involve a Recce/ISTAR Company together with staff posts at both the Operational and Force headquarters. The role of a Recce/ISTAR Company is to generate and deliver specific information and intelligence to decision makers in support of the planning and conduct of operations. ISTAR can be characterised as the co-ordinated direction, collection, processing and dissemination of timely, accurate, relevant and reliable information and intelligence.
As is the case in all Battlegroups, each participant retains the right to deploy or not to deploy its forces, irrespective of an EU decision to launch a Battlegroup operation. Equally, each Battlegroup participant retains the sovereign right to withdraw its contingent at any time. Accordingly, any deployment of the Irish contribution as part of the German Battlegroup will be subject to the “Triple-Lock”.
