Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The question of whether and how military assets and capabilities can best be used in responding to humanitarian emergencies was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council in June in the context of the Union's response to the Haiti earthquake. EU action in response to humanitarian crises is framed in the context of an overall international approach that brings together the United Nations, the Red Cross movement, humanitarian NGOs and others in support of action by the national authorities of the country concerned. There is general agreement that humanitarian assistance should respect the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence. Accordingly, humanitarian action should be civilian in character and leadership.

However, it is established UN and EU policy that in certain circumstances humanitarian aid may draw upon military assets, notably for logistical and infrastructure support. This would normally occur where there is no comparable civilian alternative and where only the use of military assets can meet a critical humanitarian need. Operating procedures and co-ordination arrangements for military support to EU disaster response have been put in place within the overall framework of humanitarian operations retaining their civilian nature and character.

There is considerable divergence of views among partners on the use and potential effectiveness of battle groups in a humanitarian context - not least because many of their components are not appropriate for disaster relief. This means that a battle group may not be able to provide the necessary capabilities within the timeframe required, even if it is decided that the use of military units is appropriate in the particular circumstances. I am in favour of further consideration of this question among our partners. Ireland's position on this matter is pragmatic and needs-driven. Once it is clear that there is no comparable civilian alternative available to meet a critical humanitarian need, military assets should be deployed be they elements drawn from a stand-by EU battle group or generated for that specific purpose from the member states, whichever is the more appropriate.

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