John Brady
Ceist:92. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence if a decision been made to withdraw Irish troops from Mali; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49018/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 6 October 2022
Ceisteanna (92)
Freagraí scríofa
Irish Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed in the European Union Training Mission Mali (EUTM Mali) and no decision has been taken to end Defence Force participation in this mission.
Ireland has participated in EUTM Mali since its launch in 2013. Government has approved the mandate for the deployment of up to twenty (20) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with EUTM Mali up to 23 March 2023. Ireland’s current contribution to the mission stands at fourteen (14) personnel.
EU Member States decided in April 2022 to temporarily suspend the provision of operational training to formed units of the Malian armed forces and National Guard, as a reversible measure in order to prevent any reputational risk due to Malian defence and security forces trained by the EU falling under the control or engaging along with Russia-affiliated forces. As a consequence, the number of Defence Force personnel serving with the mission was reduced during the year in line with reduced training requirements in the mission.
The EUTM Mali mission is an integral part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to the situation in Mali and Africa’s Sahel region. EUTM Mali complements other EU projects and activities carried out in the context of the EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel.
Irelands participation in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) concluded in September 2022. From September 2019 to September 2022 Defence Forces personnel served as part of a joint deployment with the German Armed Forces at Camp Castor in GAO and at MINUSMA HQ in Bamako, where they carried out assigned tasks in accordance with the mission mandate. Following an original two-year commitment, we subsequently agreed to extend our commitment for a third year.
The deployment of Defence Forces personnel to overseas missions is subject to ongoing review, particularly in relation to the safety and security of Irish personnel.