Written Answers Nos. 314-338
314. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider granting permission to Galway County Council to extend the retirement date for fire service staff who are scheduled to retire in January 2021 until the end of June 2021 as per similar permissions previously granted in Cork and Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40488/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe retirement age for retained firefighters is 55, with provision for an annual extension up to the age of 58, subject to a formal application process, including a compulsory medical assessment. The retirement age for full-time firefighters is, in general, 55.
The retirement ages reflect the legitimate requirement that firefighters should be capable of satisfactorily meeting the physically demanding nature of the role. In this regard, pursuant to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, every fire authority, as an employer, has a statutory duty to avoid placing employees at unnecessary risk.
In general, any changes to the terms and conditions of employment proposed by either employing organisations or employee representative associations are discussed and negotiated using the established industrial relations processes. I have no plans to review the situation in respect of firefighters outside of these well understood and long established processes.
315. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is expected to publish the report of the independent advisory group on the issue of a directly elected mayor for Limerick city; when it is expected that the heads of a Bill to legislate for this will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40489/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to question 122 of 24 November 2020 which outlines the steps I intend to take in relation to the drafting of legislation to allow for the establishment of the office of directly elected Mayor in Limerick and the holding of a mayoral election in 2021.
It is my intention to publish the report of the Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) for the directly elected mayor with executive functions for Limerick once it has been considered by Government.
316. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if steps have been taken by his Department to secure the return of a person (details supplied). [39597/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has been providing ongoing consular assistance to this citizen through our Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin, our Embassy in Beijing and our Consulate General in Shanghai.
Our Consul General has been meeting and engaging regularly with the citizen since we were first informed of this complex case last year, and continues to provide all possible consular support and advice.
Our focus has been on supporting the citizen’s well-being, while he and his legal team seek to resolve the outstanding legal matters with the local authorities.
I can further advise that the case has been raised regularly at senior political and diplomatic level with the relevant authorities in China, and with the Embassy of China to Ireland. These engagements have highlighted the humanitarian aspects of the case, and the importance of the citizen being allowed to leave China and return home as soon as possible.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate to discuss the details of any individual consular case, nor to comment on matters pertaining to a legal process in another jurisdiction. However I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the citizen until he is permitted to return to Ireland.
317. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being made on behalf of the Irish Government to further highlight and end the EndSARS campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39616/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is strongly committed to promotion and protection of human rights, including the right to peaceful demonstration. The #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, which took place in a number of cities including Abuja and Lagos, were in reaction to allegations of excessive use of force and other abuses committed by a unit of the Nigerian police, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) police unit. While the protests were largely peaceful, there were credible allegations of the use of excessive force against protesters.
Of particular concern were reports that armed personnel in military-style attire fired live rounds towards a group of protesters in the Lekki area of Lagos on 20 October, causing numerous casualties. The Nigerian army has denied using live ammunition against civilians. An investigation of these events is currently ongoing in Nigeria.
Ireland, together with the European Union, believes that it is essential that these allegations are thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are held to account. This echoes the calls by UN Secretary General and the African Union for a speedy investigation and for an end to reported police brutality and abuses.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari announced on 12 October that the SARS police unit would be disbanded, which had been one of the main requests made by protesters. In an address to the nation on 22 October, President Buhari set out a number of steps his Government intends to take, including: the establishment of State Judicial Panels of inquiry; the establishment of human rights complaint mechanisms; and the establishment of a fund for the compensation of victims. Work has begun on these potentially significant measures, which have helped calm the situation.
The Nigerian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has formed an Independent Investigative Panel to investigate allegations of abuse against the now-disbanded SARS police unit. Work by the Panel, which includes civil society and youth representatives, is currently ongoing.
The concrete efforts of the Nigerian Government in addressing the demands of the #EndSARS movement were most recently acknowledged in the joint statement EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue that was held on 18 November. In this Dialogue, the importance of respect for human rights, including the right to peaceful demonstration, was reiterated at the highest levels.
The Embassy of Ireland in Abuja continues to actively monitor developments on the ground and, working closely with our EU partners, to engage with the Nigerian authorities.
318. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if action has been taken regarding the arrest of a person (details supplied) in Egypt as part of a crackdown on human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39784/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra319. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the interactions he has had with the Irish Embassy in Egypt regarding the arrest of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39785/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra329. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations he has made to the Egyptian authorities and-or his European counterparts on the arrest and arbitrary detention of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40324/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 318, 319 and 329 together.
I am aware of the specific cases to which the Deputies refer. My officials have raised the matter with the Egyptian Ambassador in Dublin, and we have also expressed our concern directly with the Egyptian authorities through our Ambassador in Cairo, along with EU and other States. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
320. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on suggestions that the Iranian regime is involved in international terrorism; if his attention has or had been drawn to plans to launch a major terrorist attack against the Free Iran Grand Gathering in Paris on 30 June 2018; if his attention has been further drawn to allegations that the Iranian regime was involved in this plot; the actions he proposes to take regarding these events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39947/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the case raised by the Deputy, I am aware of reports about it. I condemn in the strongest terms any attempts to commit violence or acts of terrorism. However, as the situation is subject to an ongoing criminal investigation in another jurisdiction, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further on the matter.
321. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current expected cost of the European Peace Facility to Ireland for each of the years 2021-2027 noting that the Athena mechanism and the African Peace Facility are funded through his Department and the Department of Defence, respectively; the Department that will have primary policy responsibility for the European Peace Facility; the expected timetable for bringing the European Peace Facility before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40035/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the nature of the European Peace Facility and the fact that it brings together existing instruments that are both under the remit of the Department of Foreign Affairs (African Peace Facility) and under the Department of Defence (Athena Mechanism), both Departments have policy responsibility for the European Peace Facility and have worked closely throughout the negotiations on establishing the Facility.
The European Council agreed the EPF’s broad parameters in June 2020, including an overall financial ceiling of a maximum of €5 billion over the seven years of the next MFF.
The EPF will be financed through Member State contributions, based on a Gross National Income (GNI) distribution key. Total expenditure for each year between 2021 and 2027 will depend on the future decisions of the Council, acting unanimously, in respect of operations and assistance measures.
Negotiations to finalise the EPF are ongoing, with the Facility due to be operational in 2021. Ireland is continuing to engage actively in negotiations on this basis. I will continue to keep the Oireachtas informed in line with established procedures.
322. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the case of a person (details supplied) facing deportation from Canada with the authorities there. [40173/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department provides all possible consular advice and support to Irish citizens in distress overseas, where requested.
As the Deputy will be aware, our Embassies and Consulates abroad are precluded from directly intervening in judicial processes of another jurisdiction, including on matters relating to visa and immigration processes. However, officials at our Embassy in Ottawa stand ready to provide all possible consular assistance to the citizen if and when requested. I would therefore encourage the citizen in question to contact officials at our Embassy if he requires assistance.
323. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a schedule of all consultancy firms, accountancy firms, legal firms, project management firms and IT firms his Department has engaged to carry out work its behalf in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; if he will summarise the work they were engaged to do and the full costs of the engagements; if disputes over costs ensued; if they were resolved with or without sanctions and-or financial penalties and-or withholding of funds; and if contracts are subject to legal challenge or mediation. [40211/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for two Votes - Vote 27 (International Cooperation) and Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs). Overall expenditure under both Votes for consultancy firms, accountancy firms, legal firms, project management firms and IT firms which have been engaged by my Department in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020 are set out in the attached schedules. No disputes over costs have arisen and no contracts are subject to legal challenge or mediation.
My Department commissions external expertise in line with national and EU procurement rules when it is clear the skills are adding value to the wide range of skills already available in the Department and in particular where independent appraisal and evaluation of policies and projects is necessary. Such external expertise may involve the provision of expert reports, expert analysis or expert services to the Department. External expertise has informed, and continues to inform, my Department's strategies and policies and the effective delivery of our services to our citizens in a transparent and accountable manner.
At both EU and national level, public procurement is governed by a comprehensive regulatory and policy framework. My Department adheres to the principle of competitive tendering in respect of its contracting for services at home and our Missions follow appropriate guidelines for local procurement. The applicable law and guidance is set out in the Public Sector Procurement Regulations published in 2016 under S.I. 284 of 2016, which implemented the European Directive (2014/18/EC) as well as the Circulars and Guidelines issued by Government. Implementation of these policies and principles ensures the Department gets best value for money and ensures that in general, a competitive process is carried out in an open, objective and transparent manner.
324. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of permits granted for military aircraft to land at Shannon Airport and to pass through Irish airspace to date in 2020; the number of permits refused for military aircraft to land at Shannon Airport and to pass through Irish airspace to date in 2020; the countries the requests were made by; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40229/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPermission for foreign military aircraft to land in or overfly the State is subject to strict conditions. These routinely include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations. Overflights by US military aircraft are permitted without prior notification, where the aircraft are unarmed, carry only cargo and passengers and comply with navigational requirements.
The following tables detail the permissions granted to land at Shannon airport or overfly Irish sovereign airspace from 1 January to 31 October of this year. The number of those flights which were cancelled is also shown. In addition, permission for overflight was refused in one case where the aircraft in question did not meet our strict criteria.
|
Foreign military aircraft landings at Shannon Airport 1 January to 31 October 2020 |
|
|
Country Requesting Clearance |
Number of Permissions |
|
Bahrain |
1 |
|
Belgium |
10 (1 flight subsequently cancelled) |
|
Canada |
1 |
|
Egypt |
1 (this flight subsequently cancelled) |
|
France |
12 |
|
Italy |
1 |
|
Netherlands |
6 |
|
Palestine |
2 |
|
Russia |
3 (1 flight subsequently cancelled) |
|
UK |
1 (this flight subsequently cancelled) |
|
USA |
236 (11 flights subsequently cancelled) |
|
Total |
274 |
|
Foreign military aircraft overflights 1 January 2020 to 31 October 2020 |
|
|
Country Requesting Clearance |
Number of Permissions |
|
Australia |
1 |
|
Belgium |
8 |
|
Canada |
9 |
|
Colombia |
1 |
|
Congo |
1 |
|
Czech Republic |
1 |
|
Egypt |
17 (2 flights subsequently cancelled) |
|
France |
22 (1 flights subsequently cancelled) |
|
Germany |
26 (3 flights subsequently cancelled) |
|
Greece |
4 (2 flights subsequently cancelled) |
|
Hungary |
22 |
|
Italy |
19 (1 flight subsequently cancelled) |
|
Jordan |
5 |
|
Kuwait |
2 |
|
Netherlands |
2 |
|
Nigeria |
1 |
|
Qatar |
21 (2 flights subsequently cancelled) |
|
Russia |
1 |
|
Serbia |
1 |
|
Slovak Republic |
2 |
|
Switzerland |
4 (2 flights subsequently cancelled) |
|
Tunisia |
5 (1 flight subsequently cancelled) |
|
UK |
3 (2 flights subsequently cancelled) |
|
USA |
399 |
|
TOTAL |
577 |
325. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason haulage companies have to send transport managers and employees to do a course (details supplied). [40279/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the letter referred to in your question was issued, I am pleased to note that following engagement with the European Commission on the matter, the Commission has now indicated that a corresponding Irish Transport Management Certificate of Professional Competency (CPC) may be issued to those UK-qualified individuals working for Irish operators, before the end of the Brexit transition period. This welcome development means that these Transport Managers, including the correspondent who wrote to you, will not now be required to undertake an Irish examination in order to continue to work as Transport Manager for an Irish or other EU operator.
A further communication has now issued from the Department of Transport to affected Transport Managers to inform them of this recent update from the European Commission and to outline what needs to be done in order to obtain an Irish Transport Manager CPC. The process for obtaining the Irish Transport Management CPC will be overseen by Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and holders of UK issued CPCs who wish to obtain an Irish Certificate have been advised to email CILT immediately to begin the process. No fee will apply in this case for obtaining an Irish Transport Management CPC on the basis of a UK-issued Transport Management CPC
It is important to note that applications must be submitted to CILT by 31 December 2020, as after that date it will not be possible to obtain an Irish Transport Management CPC on the basis of holding the UK equivalent certificate. The Department of Transport has emphasised this to affected Transport Managers and has urged them to contact CILT as soon as possible.
326. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by human rights and civil society groups throughout the island of Ireland that the UK Internal Market Bill will threaten the ability of the Northern Ireland Assembly to implement the obligation in Article 2 of the Ireland-Northern Ireland Protocol that Northern Ireland continue to align with all new EU equality directives after the transition period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40321/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra327. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has expressed his unease to the UK Government concerning the effect of Part 1 of the UK Internal Market Bill on the ability of the Northern Ireland Assembly to implement the obligation in Article 2 of the Ireland-Northern Ireland Protocol that Northern Ireland continue to align with all new EU equality directives after the transition period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40322/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra328. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has sought to have the effect of part 1 of the UK Internal Market Bill on the ability of the Northern Ireland Assembly to implement the obligation in Article 2 of the Ireland-Northern Ireland Protocol that Northern Ireland continue to align with all new EU equality directives after the transition period discussed in the context of the Joint Committee’s assessment of the implementation of the Protocol by the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40323/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 326 to 328, inclusive, together.
Under Article 2 of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, the UK has committed to ensure no diminution of the rights, safeguards and equality of opportunity in Northern Ireland, as set out in the Good Friday Agreement.
This includes a commitment to no diminution in rights in the area of protection against discrimination, and Annex 1 of the Protocol lists the EU Directives that have been adopted by the European Union in this area. These Directives will continue to be applied, and will be updated as necessary, in Northern Ireland after the transition period. In August, the UK Government published an explainer document which outlined its commitment “to ensuring that, if the EU decides to amend or replace the substantive rights in those directives to improve the minimum levels of protection available, the corresponding substantive rights protections in Northern Ireland will also develop to take account of this”.
The Protocol will apply at the end of the transition period, regardless of the outcome of negotiations between the EU and the UK on a future relationship. What is required under the Protocol is already agreed.
The Government is aware that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, as well as a number of civil society organisations, have expressed significant concerns in relation to the Internal Market Bill and the risk that it will undermine the Good Friday Agreement commitment to ensure incorporation of the ECHR, and risk diminishing the commitment to ensure there is no diminution of rights, safeguards or equality of opportunity as the UK leaves the EU.
The Government takes these concerns very seriously and they underline why it is so important that the Protocol, which was designed to protect the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process, be fully implemented. The Government has been consistently clear that full, effective and timely implementation of the Protocol is of vital importance.
Ireland has participated in all meetings to date of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. In those meetings, as well as in a number of bilateral engagements with the UK at political level, Ireland has emphasised the importance of the effective implementation of all aspects of the Protocol. We have also underlined to the British Government our grave concerns on the provisions of the Internal Market Bill, including at the very highest political level. Together with our EU partners, we will continue to monitor and engage on developments on this issue very closely.
330. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that will be taken to ensure that the EU develops a legal analysis of the UN treaty and acquires a negotiation mandate given that the EU attended the sixth annual session to negotiate a UN treaty to regulate transnational corporations and other business enterprises without a negotiation mandate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40378/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have previously stated, Ireland supports a constructive and engaged approach by the European Union in regard to the proposed legally binding instrument that it being developed by the open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group (OEIGWG) on Transnational Corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights.
The sixth session of the open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations and other business enterprises took place from 26 to 30 October last. The European Union delivered a statement on behalf of Member States and separately raised specific concerns relating to the draft text on behalf of Member States. The EU statement welcomed some of the changes to the latest draft of the legally binding instrument, highlighted further necessary changes and outlined the many measures under way in the EU and across Member States to give greater protection to human rights in the context of business activities.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Working Group recently indicated that a third draft of the Treaty will be published, taking account of the inputs at the sixth session of the OEIGWG. My understanding is that this further draft of the Legally Binding Instrument is expected in the third quarter of 2021. Once this draft is issued, I would expect the European Commission to provide the relevant legal analysis.
331. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a national consultation on the UN treaty as recommended by the chair of the UN intergovernmental working group in the draft report of the sixth session will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40379/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe draft Report to which the Deputy refers arises from the recent sixth session of the open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations and other business enterprises, which took place from 26 to 30 October 2020. As it is currently in draft form, the report is now open for consultation, with a final version due to be completed in 2021.
The draft recommendation on national consultations is directed at a wide range of stakeholders, rather than specifically at national Governments; it recommends “that the Chair-Rapporteur encourage regional and political groups, intergovernmental organizations, national human rights institutions, civil society and all other relevant stakeholders, as appropriate, to organize consultations at all levels, including in particular at the regional and national level, with a view to exchanging comments and inputs on the second revised draft legally binding instrument”.
My Department’s approach to policy formulation always involves dialogue with a range of stakeholders. In the context of the proposed Legally Binding Instrument, my officials in Dublin and Geneva have met with the Irish Coalition on Business and Human Rights in respect of the second draft of the Instrument, and we have received the Coalition’s written submissions. This dialogue will continue.
332. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans Ireland has put in place to input and shape the proposed legislative initiative, given the commitment to a legislative initiative on human rights due diligence throughout the supply chain by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40380/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra333. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is supportive of the legislative initiative in view of the commitment to a legislative initiative on human rights due diligence throughout the supply chain by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40381/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra334. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the responsible Minister for the EU legislative initiative, given the commitment to a legislative initiative on human rights due diligence throughout the supply chain by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40382/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra335. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which he will ensure that the action plan is developed with regard to mandatory due diligence as per the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40384/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 332 to 335, inclusive, together.
I welcome the proposed initiative on sustainable corporate governance brought forward by the EU Justice Commissioner. As set out by the Commission on its website (https://ec.europa.eu/) where it invites submissions from interested parties, “this initiative aims to improve the EU regulatory framework on company law and corporate governance. It would enable companies to focus on long-term sustainable value creation rather than short-term benefits.”
As the Deputy will be aware, company law and corporate governance do not fall within the remit of my Department and Ireland's engagement on this proposed EU corporate governance initiative is a matter for the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the first instance.
The implementation of the relevant Programme for Government commitments in this area is the subject of discussion between my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I wish to reiterate my Department's continued commitment to work with all other relevant Government Departments to promote responsible business practices and reaffirm Ireland's role in supporting human rights globally.
336. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if on-the-job training of an apprentice can be carried out with the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40301/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities advise that Air Corps Aircraft Mechanic apprenticeships are provided for new entrants to the Defence Forces and these apprenticeships entail both ‘on the job’ training and formal education.
Trainee Technician schemes are also available to serving personnel and these are conducted in conjunction with SOLAS under the auspices of the National ‘Generation Apprenticeship’ Scheme.
337. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if funding has been provided to the Defence Forces to improve and upgrade defence infrastructure to achieve higher environmental standards. [40306/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme 2020-2025 was published in January 2020. This Programme, which is a 5 year plan, provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe. Over the course of the programme it is projected that some €145m will be allocated to ensure programme delivery.
A key driver of the Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan will be to achieve higher environmental standards and my Department together with the Defence Forces is committed to continuing to strive to be more resource efficient to reach the Government’s Climate Action Plan targets. All future infrastructure projects, be they new build or refurbishment, will consider the options available to improve and optimise the energy efficiency of our defence infrastructure.
338. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a full report on the involvement of the Defence Forces in PESCO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39738/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPermanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) is a process under which groups of Member States can come together to develop capabilities in support of Common Security & Defence Policy operations.
The objective of PESCO is to generate coherent defence capabilities which will be available to Member States for national and multinational (EU, NATO, UN, etc.) missions and operations. This will enhance the EU’s capacity as an international security actor, to contribute to the protection of EU citizens, support international peace and security and maximise the effectiveness of defence spending by participating member States.
Forty seven PESCO projects have been launched to-date. These include projects in the areas of capability development and in the operational dimension. Each project is managed by the participating member States with oversight from the Council.
Ireland's participation in PESCO was agreed by Government and approved by Dáil Éireann prior to the Council Decision establishing PESCO on 11 December 2017. Ireland is a Participant in one PESCO project (Greek-led Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance) and also has Observer status on a further nine PESCO projects – (1) Deployable Military Disaster Relief Capability Package; (2) Maritime (semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures; (3) Cyber Threats and Incident Response Information Sharing Platform; (4) European Secure Software Defined Radio; (5) Military Mobility; (6) Energy Operational Function; (7) EU Radio Navigation Solution; (8) Counter Unmanned Aerial System; (9) Special Operations Forces Medical Training Centre. Ireland also participated in the German led project EU Training Mission Competence Centre, this project terminated in February 2020 with agreement of all members as it duplicated existing structures in the EU.
Defence Forces involvement in PESCO to-date has included participation in project meetings and the provision of Subject Matter Expertise to help inform Ireland's involvement in particular PESCO projects, either as a participant or an observer.
