Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday we had statements in the House in relation to the EU Council meeting on 15 December and I reported formally back to the House in respect of that meeting. I have corresponded since my appointment with a number of EU counterparts and I look forward to engaging with them in-person, both bilaterally and in the format of the Foreign Affairs Council and in the Defence Ministers format also. There will be two opportunities to meet my colleagues in March. In early March, I will attend an informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Stockholm and on 20 March, EU Foreign and Defence Ministers will meet jointly to discuss the strategic compass, one year on from its adoption by EU leaders. While the agenda for the March informal has not yet been confirmed, it seems safe to assume the discussions will be dominated by the ongoing war in Ukraine and the international community's response; particularly that of the European Union. One could also imagine that such issues as the utilisation of the European peace facility, the European Union Military Assistance Mission Ukraine, EUMAM, and the progress made to date on the implementation of the strategic compass will also be on the ministers' agenda. Indeed, a number of these issues featured on the agenda of EU defence policy directors in Stockholm yesterday.

In terms of the Council meeting, the strategic compass, and common security and defence, Ireland has decided to join an EU battle group in which Germany will take the lead role. We have consistently been part of battle groups and training and preparing in such battle groups which improves our interoperability with other forces we serve with on peacekeeping missions. I think that makes sense. We also have to reflect continually on the evolution of the European Union's common security and defence policy. Given the particular interests and concerns that we have, it is important we participate in those discussions in order that Ireland's position is well understood. Bilateral engagement is a key element in ensuring this is the case.

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