Having regard to military advice concerning the safety and security of Defence Forces' personnel deployed to the MONUSCO mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and, having considered all options, the decision was taken to withdraw two personnel deployed in the mission area during August 2022.
This decision reflects the fact that the Department of Defence keeps the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas under constant review as well as ensuring that threat assessments are continuously kept up-to-date in all mission areas in which Defence Forces personnel are deployed.
Following the decision to withdraw the two people concerned, Air Corps assets were used to transport them and their equipment from Goma to Entebbe. The personnel continued home from Entebbe by commercial airlines and the Air Corps transported the equipment home.
As with all such operations, the Defence Forces will routinely review all aspects of this operation. Any lessons learned will, as normal, be taken on board to enhance the effectiveness of future operations.
A re-assessment of Ireland’s options in relation to MONUSCO is being carried out and will be completed in the coming months. Notwithstanding the withdrawal of the two personnel from this mission, we remain a strong supporter of the United Nations, MONUSCO and its engagement in the DRC.
With regard to enhanced airlift capabilities for the Air Corps, my priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible in order to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.
The White Paper provides for the replacement of the CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft with larger more capable aircraft, which would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was signed with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019. The principal role of the C295 is maritime surveillance, particularly fishery protection. It will also enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, search and rescue and a general utility role. The cost of the contract, including equipment fit-out and ancillary support, is approximately €228.3 million including VAT and the aircraft are scheduled for delivery next year. These aircraft when delivered will provide enhanced airlift capabilities for the Air Corps.
Notwithstanding the recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces to enhance the Air Corps fleet with the addition of a fixed wing aircraft with strategic reach capability, no decisions have been made in respect of the purchase of aircraft in other roles such as strategic airlift /strategic reach capability.
