Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 July 2018
160. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of Ireland's involvement in the two projects on cross-border movement permission and on harmonising the military requirements related to customs as part of the framework of the European Defence Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29618/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28 March 2018, the EU Commission issued its Action Plan on Military Mobility following on from a Joint Communication on military mobility issued in November 2017.
The Commission proposes that the Union enhance its strategic transport infrastructures to make them fit for military mobility. Some of the areas being examined for improvement under the Action Plan include streamlining procedures for diplomatic clearance, rationalising customs regulations, and reviewing transport of dangerous goods regulations and there is on-going work in the framework of the European Defence Agency (EDA) to support this.
To this end, the EDA has established two Category A Projects, following a decision of its Steering Board, to bring forward proposals/agreements in relation to (a) Cross Border Movement Permissions and (b) Common Customs arrangements for movement of Military Goods and Personnel across the EU. EDA Category A Project proposals assume the participation of all member States with an option to opt-out at any stage, as opposed to Category B proposals whereby nations have to formally opt-in. In Ireland's case, Government and Dáil approval is required for participation in both Category A and B projects.
Two Ad Hoc Working Groups will be established within the European Defence Agency to discuss each Category A project and Ireland will be represented at the meetings of these groups during the development of the technical arrangements to ensure that no obligation is placed on member States and that national sovereignty and procedures are respected. The first meeting of the Group on the customs issues met yesterday, 3 July and the first meeting of the Group on Movement Permissions will meet on 28 September.
Following completion of the development of the technical arrangements by the working groups, Ireland will assess its position in relation to participation in the two Category A projects.
