Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister agree that the concept of a battlegroup is that of one which is capable of responding effectively and rapidly to global crises such as genocide? The Minister for Defence attended a recent meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Committee at which he set out his plans, which were in line with the Minister's previous comments. Could the Minister calmly clarify certain matters which I find puzzling?

A battlegroup is designed to provide a rapid response to crises. As the Minister noted, Ireland will be part of a battlegroup which also includes Sweden. This battlegroup will consist of approximately 500 personnel and will be located somewhere in Europe where it will be ready to respond to a global crisis. In the event that a call is made to send the battlegroup to respond quickly to a crisis, Ireland will be unable to take part in the operation because it must obtain the approval of the Government and the Dáil and receive a mandate from the UN Security Council — the triple lock mechanism. This mandate could take between one and three months to obtain or may never be obtained. Does the Minister see the potential for major embarrassment for Ireland in such a scenario whereby it is revealed as being unable to respond as part of a battlegroup because it is paralysed by the triple lock? Could he explain the obvious contradiction between the definition of a battlegroup and the triple lock mechanism to which we are tied?

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