Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Deputy Micheál Martin, I thank Members of the House for their engagement in this debate. Today's debate is about a specific issue, the deployment of an Irish naval vessel and its crew to an important EU mission in the Mediterranean. Participation in overseas missions by our Defence Forces is a key element of Ireland's foreign policy and has been an important dimension of meeting Ireland's international obligations as a member of the EU and UN. It is appropriate that the Dáil would have the opportunity, not alone to discuss but to endorse such an important decision. Irish foreign policy has directed and supported cooperative arrangements for elective security through development of international organisations, especially the United Nations, and supports effective international action in areas such as disarmament, peacekeeping, development and human rights. This approach continues to define Irish priorities. Ireland remains willing to play a full role in contributing to the security of Europe and around the world. Today's debate is also an opportunity for the House to commend the women and men of the Irish Defence Forces for their long-standing commitment to overseas service and to thank them for their significant contribution to UN and EU missions over the years.

As we saw again only last December with the tragic killing of Private Seán Rooney, serving overseas in the pursuit of peace is not without its risks. With the approval of this House, the Defence Forces' overseas contribution will be extended to include active implementation of the United Nations Security Council, UNSC, resolution on the arms embargo on Libya. In doing so, the Irish Naval Service will help to stem the flow of weapons into a volatile region and thus make a valuable contribution to the creation of conditions for permanent ceasefire in Libya.

The EU mandate for Operation Irini was recently renewed and extended until 31 March 2025. It is important to stress that the core and secondary tasks of the mission are all covered by UN mandate. In engaging with the UN-mandated EU mission, Ireland will play an active part in contributing to security and stability in the Mediterranean region. As the Tánaiste stated earlier, by working as part of this overseas mission, the Naval Service will gain valuable experience and benefit in terms of enhancing capability and interoperability with international naval forces. For absolute clarity, I confirm that at no point in the deployment will the mission involve the training of the Libyan coast guard and we will declare caveats to that effect before formally joining the mission. I put that clearly before the House.

Regarding Deputy Berry's comments on the allowance, a non-taxable allowance will be paid for the duration of the mission, which is important. The Naval Service has also assured the Tánaiste, I understand, that it will maintain a patrol plan which will have two ships on the domestic patrols for 61% of the deployment period and one ship for the remaining 39%. The Naval Service currently has a fleet of six vessels. One ship, the LÉ Niamh, is in the process of a midlife refit, which is expected to be completed by quarter 3 this year. A second, LÉ Róisín, has been placed in operational reserve. Therefore, there are four operational ships which remain available.

I reiterate for the very reasons stated, as did the Tánaiste prior, that I believe the time is right for Ireland to deploy a Naval Service vessel to serve as part of the EU mission, Operation Irini. I urge the House to support the motion.

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