Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if overtures have been made at EU level to obtain assistance towards coastal surveillance given the vulnerability of Ireland’s extensive coastline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13766/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU and its Member States, including Ireland, have strategic interests in identifying and addressing security challenges linked to the sea.
In 2014, the EU launched a Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS), defining maritime security as ‘a state of affairs of the global maritime domain, in which international law and national law are enforced, freedom of navigation is guaranteed and citizens, infrastructure, transport, the environment and marine resources are protected’. This launch was followed, in 2015, by an Action Plan to implement the EUMSS, and a revised Action Plan in 2018. Ireland contributed to the revision process of the EUMSS Action Plan in 2018 and input was provided by the Department of Defence, the Naval Service and the Department of Foreign Affairs. Council conclusions of June 2021 sought to engage with member states to see if the EUMSS and its Action Plan should be updated. In December 2021 it was decided to begin this work and it is expected to advance further following completion of the work on the EU's Strategic Compass.
My Department has applied for EU funding in support of the Defence Forces via the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme (2014-2020). Approval in principle has been received for a number of relevant projects. These projects include funding to support the upgrade of the Air Corps Maritime Patrol Aircraft as well as the upgrade of Fishery Monitoring Centre IT system.
My Department has also begun discussions with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to investigate the possibility of securing additional future funding to support Naval Service and Air Corps operations under the new European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021 – 2027.
Ireland also participates in Maritime Surveillance projects at EU level both through the European Defence Agency and through PESCO. These projects assist in increasing Ireland's maritime surveillance capability.
As a committed EU Member State, Ireland supports fully the efforts of EU Member States to improve the Union's capacity to respond to the prevailing challenging security environment, including in the areas of defence and maritime surveillance.
