Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am fully satisfied all correct national and EU procedures were followed in the nomination of Vice Admiral Mellett, the current Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, for appointment as chair of the European Union Military Committee, the most senior military establishment within the European Union. It was established under Council Decision 2001/79/CFSP. When meeting in chiefs of defence format, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces attends. However, on a day-to-day basis, at its meetings, Ireland’s EU military representative who is attached to Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the European Union attends meetings of the committee on his behalf. Ireland has participated in the European Union Military Committee since its establishment.

Pursuant to Article 3(1) of Council Decision 2001/79/CFSP, the chair of the Military Committee of the European Union is appointed by the European Council on the recommendation of the European Union Military Committee meeting at the level of chiefs of defence. Accordingly, the next chair of the European Union Military Committee will be selected by secret vote by the chiefs of defence of the member states at a meeting scheduled to take place next month in Brussels. On the basis of that vote, the chair will then be appointed by the European Council for a fixed period of three years.

The Defence (Amendment) Act 2006 provides in section 3(1)(a) that a contingent or member of the Permanent Defence Force may, with the prior approval of and on the authority of the Government, be despatched for service outside the State for the purposes of carrying out duties as a military representative or filling appointments or postings outside the State, including secondments to any international organisation. Pursuant to this provision, the Government, at its meeting on 19 September, decided to nominate Vice Admiral Mark Mellett as chair of the European Union Military Committee, consistent with the provisions of the Defence Acts. Following that approval and on the authority of Government, Ireland’s nomination of Vice Admiral Mark Mellett for election to the position of chair of the European Union Military Committee was formally communicated when nominations opened. The nomination for appointment as chair of the European Union Military Committee further demonstrates Ireland’s ongoing commitment to remaining at the core of the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy.

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