Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
338. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on whether the Government's plans to allocate troops to an EU battlegroup will have a detrimental impact on Ireland's capacity to continue to contribute its UN overseas missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10836/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has recently approved Ireland's participation in the next German-led EU Battlegroup, 2025, which will involve a two-year commitment from 1 January 2024. Battlegroups are a key component of the capabilities that the EU can make available in support of UN-authorised crisis management operations. As a concept, the purpose of the Battlegroup is as a rapid response capability, including the role of acting as an initial entry force to stabilise a situation pending the deployment of a follow-on force, to support an established peace support operation which is running into difficulties, and to respond to humanitarian crises.
Ireland’s full engagement in EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and in Battlegroups significantly enhances our capacity to influence the development of CSDP and of the Battlegroup concept. Participation also demonstrates Ireland’s continuing commitment to the development of EU capabilities in the area of crisis management and contributes to our overall credibility within the Union. Defence Forces' participation in EU Battlegroups also supports Ireland’s efforts in securing partners for UN blue hat operations due to the close civil and military relationships built through our participation. Experience has shown that Ireland’s previous participation in EU Battlegroups has enhanced the Defence Forces’ ability to work with other nations in a multinational environment and has served to enhance the Defence Forces reputation as a provider of a credible military capability for CSDP peacekeeping operations under UN mandates.
Arising from the Government's decision to participate in the EU Battlegroup 2024/2025, a reassessment of the sustainability of the Defence Forces' overseas commitments was undertaken. Arising from the conclusion of that reassessment and on the basis of the military advice available to me, the decision has been taken to effectively withdraw the DF Infantry Group's participation in the United Nations' Disengagement Observation Force (UNDOF). The date of withdrawal is now something that will be discussed with the United Nations.
The 2015 White Paper on Defence provides the defence policy framework for the period up to 2025. This policy framework is designed to be flexible and responsive given the dynamic nature of the security environment and enables the Defence Organisation to be adaptive to changing circumstances and to use resources as efficiently as possible.
Arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the immediate focus is on stabilising the staffing situation in the Defence Forces and thereafter in bringing the strength to the numbers required to meet the agreed level of ambition.
