Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
2274. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if contingency planning is completed to mitigate for the loss of information sharing as a result of a no deal scenario in Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26550/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegardless of the outcome of the EU-UK Brexit negotiations, no loss of information sharing between Ireland and the UK is envisaged in the Defence sphere. As the Deputy may be aware, on 19th January, 2015 Ireland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Defence, Ireland and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence on enhancement on certain aspects of Security and Defence Cooperation. This provides a framework for developing and furthering bilateral co-operation and relations between the Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding placed already existing cooperation arrangements in the Defence area between Ireland and the UK on a more formal and transparent footing, while fully respecting the differing policy positions and security arrangements of both States. 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; joint contribution to Security Sector Reform and capacity building in crisis locations and the sharing of information.
Following the signing of the MoU, an Action Plan containing a detailed programme of bilateral co-operation activities for the forthcoming years has been agreed, which will support the development of a greater mutual understanding of the policy considerations underlying our respective actions and engagement in multilateral arrangements including with the EU and the UN. It will also support training exchanges and staff exchanges involving both civil and military personnel and will provide opportunities for more joint and collaborative work in support of international peace and security including possible contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.
