Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
47. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on proposals for an Irish naval vessel and personnel to participate in Operation Irini, part of which is to involve training of the Libyan Coast Guard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22025/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe core task of the EU Common Security and Defence naval operation, Operation Irini, is to contribute to preventing arms trafficking within its agreed Area of Operation in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution UNSCR 2292 (2016) and subsequent Resolutions on the arms embargo on Libya.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Dáil recently approved the deployment of an Irish Naval Service vessel and associated support staff in accordance with the “Triple Lock” provisions of the Defence Acts.
In the course of the Dáil debate on the deployment, a number of issues arose, including any role the Naval Service might have in capacity building and training of the Libyan Coastguard as well as the arrangements in place in relation to search and rescue and the assistance provided to persons found in distress on the high seas.
In relation to the former, let me reiterate the Government’s position that there are no circumstances in which members of the Naval Service will be involved in capacity building and/or training to the Libyan Coastguard. Indeed, Ireland will declare caveats to this effect on formally joining the operation.
In any event, it should be noted that the capacity building and training of the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy element of the mandate is not currently in operation and, as such, is suspended.
As regards the issue of Safety of life at Sea/ Search and Rescue, I would recall that the motion approved by the Dáil includes an amendment to the effect that the naval vessel participating in Operation Irini will be subject to the obligation under international law to provide assistance to persons in distress at sea.
The Government was happy to accept this amendment on the basis that it restates the pre-existing obligation on Ireland under the United Nations Convention on the Law Of the Sea, an obligation to which the Naval Service would have to give effect whether in the context of Operation Irini or otherwise.
While Operation Irini has no mandate for Safety of life at Sea/ Search and Rescue (SOLAS/SAR), the involvement in a SAR/SOLAS event while operating as part of Operation Irini cannot be totally ruled out.
In the event that an Operation Irini ship is involved in SOLAS/SAR, the mission direction is that those migrants rescued by the ship should be taken to and disembarked to a European Coastguard ship as soon as possible so that the Operation Irini ship can return to its mandated operations with the minimum of delay.
The naval vessel LÉ William Butler Yeats has been selected to undertake the Operation Irini deployment and will be due to depart for the Mediterranean in mid June for 46 days in total.
