Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
337. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of Ireland in relation to participation in EU battlegroups; the missions participated in by Ireland to date; if such missions require a UN mandate, approval by the Government and approval by the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24111/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Battlegroups are multinational, military units which form part of the European Union's military rapid reaction capacity.
They are designed to provide the European Union with a rapid response capability which can be deployed in support of crisis management or humanitarian operations under the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy, and in support of United Nations mandated missions.
At EU level, the deployment of an EU Battlegroup is subject to a unanimous decision by the Council. Member States choose whether to participate and in which Battlegroup to seek to participate.
Ireland’s engagement in EU Battlegroups is part of our commitment to the development of EU capabilities in the area of crisis management. It supports the development of rapid deployment skills and capabilities within the Defence Forces, together with improved interoperability with like-minded States. Participation in EU Battlegroups supports Ireland’s international security and defence policy by helping to secure essential partners for future UN operations.
Ireland has previously participated in the Nordic Battlegroups in 2008, 2011 and 2015, the Austro/German led EU Battlegroup 2012, the German led EU Battlegroup in 2016, the UK led EU Battlegroup in 2016 and the German Led Battlegroup in 2020.
Any deployment of the Irish Defence Forces for overseas peace support, including as part of an EU Battlegroup, is subject to the “triple lock” requirement. This requires that the operation is mandated by the UN; that the deployment is approved by the Government; and, in cases of deployments over a dozen personnel, that it is approved by the Dáil.
To date, no EU Battlegroup has ever been deployed.
