Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 January 2019
26. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of PESCO projects to which Ireland has committed as participant or observer; the budgets for each project; the personnel involved; the commitments given; the timeline for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1966/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment of Permanent Structure Cooperation (PESCO) represents a further development in EU Cooperation in support of international peace and security under CSDP. Under PESCO, Member States will come together in different groups to develop and make available additional capabilities and enablers for peacekeeping and crisis management operations.
Ireland is currently participating in the following two projects:
The European Union Training Mission Competence Centre – The project will improve the availability, interoperability, specific skills and professionalism of personnel (trainers) for EU training missions across participating Member States. Moreover, it will accelerate the provision for EU training missions due to a higher situational awareness regarding trained, educated and available personnel for current and future EU training missions.
Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance Systems – This project will integrate land-based surveillance systems, maritime and air platforms in order to distribute real time information to Member States, so as to provide timely and effective response in the international waters. The main objective of the program is to enhance the Maritime Surveillance, Situational Awareness and potential Response Effectiveness of the EU, by using the existing infrastructure, deploying assets and developing related capabilities in the future. It aims to address timely and effectively new and old threats and challenges (such as energy security, environmental challenges, security and defence aspects); thus ensuring accurate Awareness and Rapid Response, so as to contribute to the protection of the EU and its citizens.
Ireland is an observer on the following projects:
Maritime (Semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures will deliver a world-class mix of (semi-) autonomous underwater, surface and aerial technologies for maritime mine countermeasures. This project will enable Member States to protect maritime vessels, harbours and off shore installations, and to safeguard freedom of navigation on maritime trading routes.
Cyber Threats and Incident Response Information Sharing Platform will develop more active responses and defences to cyber threats. This project also aims to help mitigate these risks by focusing on the sharing of cyber threat intelligence through a networked Member State platform, with the aim of strengthening nations' cyber defence capabilities.
Energy Operational Function based on lessons learnt from recent operations, this project has two objectives. It aims at developing new systems of energy supply for camps deployed in the framework of joint operations and for soldier connected devices and equipment. It also aims at ensuring that the implications for energy are taken into account in capability development planning and implementation as well as operational planning.
European Software Defined Radio aims to develop common technologies for European military radios. The adoption of these technologies as a standard will guarantee the interoperability of EU forces in the framework of joint operations, regardless which radio platforms are used, thereby reinforcing the European strategic autonomy.
Deployable Military Disaster Relief Capability will deliver a multi-national specialist military package for the assistance to EU and other States, which can be deployed within both EU-led and non EU-led operations. The new EU capability will manage a range of emergencies including natural disasters, civil emergencies, and pandemics. This project aims to include the establishment of a new EU Disaster Relief Training Centre of Excellence, and ultimately a Disaster Relief Deployable Headquarters.
Military Mobility will support Member States' commitment to simplify and standardise cross-border military transport procedures. It aims to enhance the speed of movement military forces across Europe. It also aims to guarantee the unhindered movement of military personnel and assets within the borders of the EU. This entails avoiding long bureaucratic procedures to move through or over EU Member States, be it via rail, road air or sea.
EU Radionavigation Solution (EURAS) is to promote development of EU military PNT (positioning, navigation and timing) capabilities and future cooperation taking advantage of Galileo and the public regulated service.
Counter Unmanned Aerial System aim is to develop an advanced and efficient system to counter the threat posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems. It aims to deliver protection for personnel.
The above projects are still in the early stages of development and accordingly the budgets and timeline for participant's involvement has not yet been fully determined. In any event, there would be no financial impact for Ireland in relation to the eight projects where we are observers. A representative from the relevant Directorate or Service within the Defence Forces attend each of the project meetings. Ireland's commitment at this time is through our attendance at meetings as the projects progress.
