Ireland has participated in the European Defence Agency since its establishment in 2004 for the purpose of developing capabilities which would assist our Defence Forces in their peacekeeping role.
Ireland's participation in specific capability development projects undertaken by the Agency is considered on a case-by-case basis, and is subject to Government and Dáil approval, in accordance with the Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. Ireland has benefitted to date from participation in a number of EDA projects which include:
- A project, (now completed) in relation to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Protection. This is a key capability area for the Defence Forces. Participation in this programme and access to the results of the research, studies and development work packages undertaken by the programme enables the Defence Forces to remain at the leading edge of capability development in this key area. The countries that Ireland collaborated with on this project were Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
- A project (now completed) in relation to Maritime Surveillance (EDA MARSUR). This programme furthered developed the Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) exchange network technology that allows for the sharing of information amongst the wider EU defence community in support of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy and the EU Commission initiative to establish a Common Information Sharing Environment. The countries that Ireland collaborated with on this project were Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and United Kingdom. Ireland is participating in a follow on “MARSUR” project Ireland's designed to provide ongoing life cycle support for the existing MARSUR capability through provision of adaptive maintenance, enhancement and technical support. This project, which commenced in November 2016, will run for three years. The countries that Ireland will be collaborating with on this Category B project are the same as for MARSUR with the addition of Portugal.
- A project relating to training in Manual Neutralisation Techniques was set up in 2014. Manual Neutralisation is a method used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) Operators where complex explosive devices have to be neutralised manually and where it is not possible to use remote or semi remote techniques such as robots to render the device safe. The project will run for four (4) years. The countries that Ireland is collaborating with on this project are Austria, Germany, Italy and Sweden.
- Also since November, 2016, Ireland has participated in a project in relation to Cooperation on Cyber Ranges in the European Union. This projects aim to maintain and improve cyber resilience as well as the levels of awareness, insight and expertise of Member States' personnel in the area of cyber security and defence. The countries that Ireland will be collaborating with on this project are Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden.
Opportunities will continue to be identified to expand Ireland's participation in multi-national capability development projects within the framework of the EDA in support of Defence Forces' operations, capacity and capability.
Ireland's cooperation with NATO is conducted through the Partnership for Peace (PfP) which we joined in 1999 following approval by Dáil Éireann. Ireland's purpose in participating in the PfP is to improve Defence Forces capabilities and to ensure that our Defence Forces are interoperable with the forces of other States engaged in UN mandated crisis management operations. Participation in PfP provides us with opportunities to avail of joint training with other countries and to access courses provided by the NATO schools.
Ireland has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence which provides a framework for developing and furthering bilateral co-operation and relations between the Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence. The MoU takes into account matters such as military forces training; exercises and military education; exchange of views on EU Common Security and Defence Policy; potential for joint contributions to UN Crisis Management Operations; joint procurement initiatives; pooling and sharing resources; general sharing on reform in defence services; potential for staff exchanges; sharing of information, and joint contribution to Security Sector Reform and capacity building in crisis locations. It envisages cooperation and exchanges involving both civil and military personnel. The MoU provides opportunities for more joint and collaborative work in support of international peace and security. It will also enhance the potential for further joint contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.
It is paramount that the Irish Defence Forces are equipped to carry out their roles at home and overseas. Therefore, there has to be particular focus on developing capabilities, exploring pooling and sharing opportunities and undertaking joint training with other countries.
