Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
151. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report the participation of the Naval Service in Operation Irini; the component aspects of the mission and those which Ireland has taken part in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14524/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOperation Irini is a UN mandated EU Naval mission in the eastern Mediterranean and its primary task is the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya using aerial, satellite and maritime assets. The mission was launched on 31 March 2020 with the aim creating the conditions for a permanent ceasefire in Libya by stemming the flow of weapons into the country.
Ireland currently has three members of the Defence Forces deployed to the Operational Headquarters of the Operation Irini mission in Rome in staff officer posts and a further officer is assigned to the Floating Headquarters. Government approval was secured for these appointment on 18 May 2020.
Additionally in 2023, following Government and Dáil approval, the L.É. William Butler Yeats and a crew of 58 personnel deployed as part of Operation Irini for a period of 46 days from 21 June- 24 July 2023 demonstrating Ireland’s support for the important role the EU can play in support of international peace and security.
In addition to its primary task, Operation Irini has a number of secondary tasks: monitoring of oil smuggling from Libya; capacity-building of the Libyan Coastguard; and the detection and monitoring of human smuggling networks.
The current mandate of Op Irini expires in March 2025 and a mid-term assessment of the mission was recently reported on at the European Council. A strategic review of the mission is due to take place at the end of 2024.
