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

Neither the decision to withdraw the Defence Forces infantry group from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force nor the decision that the Defence Forces should participate in the next European Union battle group has any implications for Ireland's long-standing position of military neutrality. I note the Deputy did not explain how he has come to the view that it does.

At the time of the recent Government decision that the Defence Forces should join the EU battle group of 2024-25, the Government was advised that a further assessment would be undertaken of the sustainability of the Defence Forces overseas commitments. Following the conclusion of this assessment and on the basis of the military advice available to me, as well as formal engagement with the United Nations, I have decided to withdraw the infantry group personnel from UNDOF with effect from April 2024.

Notwithstanding the decision to withdraw the infantry group from UNDOF, the Defence Forces will continue to have a significant presence serving overseas in the pursuit of peace, notably with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, where over 340 Defence Forces personnel will continue to serve.

In addition, my Department will engage with the United Nations with a view to maintaining some or all of the staff posts currently occupied by Defence Forces personnel in UNDOF headquarters and will explore the possibility of providing a modest increase in our troop contribution to UNIFIL. The decision to withdraw personnel from the UNDOF mission has been taken to allow the Defence Forces to undertake a process of consolidation with regard to its overseas commitments and to prepare for future peacekeeping missions, as well as to ensure the Defence Forces have the capacity available to fulfil their commitment to the EU battle group of 2024 and 2025.

Participation in a battle group has no effect on Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. A commitment to a battle group does not involve any commitment to common or mutual defence. Deployment of the Defence Forces contingent as part of the battle group in a peacekeeping or peace enforcement operation will continue to require a UN mandate and Government and Dáil approval, in accordance with the triple lock provisions of the Defence Acts.

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