Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024
38. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to comments from An Taoiseach regarding the provision of assistance to Ukraine in relation to air defence, if he will outline the manner in which it is intended to provide such support. [10968/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince February 2022 Ireland has provided over €212 million in support to Ukraine, and commitments of approximately €122 million of non-lethal military assistance under the European Peace Facility. Ireland is also participating in the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) which is providing specialised training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) and coordination of existing Member State training. Following Government approval in February 2023, the Defence Forces currently have one officer deployed in a senior staff position in the mission’s Operational Headquarters, which operates within the EU’s Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) in Brussels, while a further three DF personnel have also been deployed to the multi-national Special Training Command (STC) in Strausberg, Germany.
The Defence Forces have also to date delivered several training modules as part of EUMAM Ukraine, in tactical combat casualty care, demining/mine clearance, and drill instruction training. The Defence Forces are currently planning other modules and identifying other opportunities for support.
In addition to the training mission, Ireland has also donated two mine flails, for clearing minefields etc, with associated training to Ukraine in the last month. Ireland has also joined the Lithuanian-led coalition for de-mining efforts towards Ukraine. Ireland continues to explore the ways in which it can provide support to Ukraine across a range of areas, including in areas based on the capacity of provision by our Defence Forces.
From further engagement with my Department and the Defence Forces over the last week, I can confirm to the Deputy that this support will not extend to air defence, however.
