Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have committed to bringing the matter to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Micheál Martin. Obviously, Greece is a sovereign nation. However, it is a matter I will draw to the Minister's attention. I see the Deputy's genuine passion in this regard.

On behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, I again thank Deputy Hourigan for her engagement on this matter. Ireland has been an active participant and contributor to the EU’s common security and defence policy, CSDP. That contribution will increase significantly next month with the deployment of a Naval Service ship to the EU’s Operation Irini. In doing so, our Naval Service will be helping to stem the flow of weapons into a volatile region and thus make a valuable contribution to the creation of conditions for a permanent ceasefire in Libya. In engaging with this UN-mandated EU mission, Ireland will be playing an active part in contributing to security and stability in the Mediterranean region.

All of the CSDP actions in Libya and the central Mediterranean contribute to the European Union’s commitment to peace and stability in Libya. The EU civilian CSDP border assistance mission in Libya, EUBAM Libya, to which Ireland contributes one civilian expert at present, aims primarily to contribute to enhancing the capacity of the relevant Libyan authorities and agencies to manage the country’s borders and to reduce cross-border crime, including human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The work of the mission is carried out through advising, training and mentoring Libyan counterparts in strengthening their border services in accordance with international standards and best practices, and by advising the Libyan authorities on the development of an integrated border management, IBM, strategy. EUBAM Libya is one part of the European Union’s comprehensive approach to supporting the transition to a democratic, stable and prosperous Libya.

I again restate it is not intended that Irish Naval Service personnel will engage in capacity building and training of the Libyan coastguard when deployed as part of this mission. This element of the mandate is, in any event, currently suspended from the mission. I again stress that while the operation has no mandate for safety of life at sea or search and rescue, the Irish Naval Service vessel will of course be subject to the obligation under international law to provide assistance to persons in distress at sea. Ireland's contribution of a Naval Service vessel to Operation Irini is a positive gesture in support of our European partners, and one which I wholeheartedly support.

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