Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 31 together.

On 7 April 2010, the EU launched a military training mission in Somalia to contribute to strengthening the transitional federal Government and the institutions of Somalia. This support continues to take place within the framework of the EU's comprehensive engagement in Somalia, with a view to responding to the priority needs of the Somali people and its Government and to stabilising Somalia. Training has been provided in Uganda in close collaboration with the Ugandan Defence Forces due to the political and security situation in Somalia. Following Government approval, the Defence Forces have been serving with EU training mission in Somalia since April 2010. Ireland took over operational command of the mission in August 2011, with the appointment of Colonel Michael Beary of the Defence Forces. In December 2012, the Government approved continued participation in the mission for a further period of one year to December 2013. Ireland currently has ten personnel serving with the mission.

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