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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 125 together.

As part of the European Union’s response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the Council of the EU launched the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine, EUMAM Ukraine.

Formally established on 17 October 2022, the aim of the mission is to enhance the military capability of the Ukrainian armed forces, UAF to defend Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders as well as to protect the civilian population.

The mission provides training to the UAF at basic, advanced and specialised levels in a range of areas. On 21 February 2023, the Government approved the participation of Defence Forces personnel in EUMAM Ukraine in such areas as counter improvised explosive devices training, explosive ordnance disposal training, combat medical training and engineering training.

On 25 July, the Government approved the Defence Forces' enhanced engagement in the mission and agreed an extended list of training modules for delivery by the Defence Forces, which includes basic military training; Do-King Mine Flail training, which is training on machinery which is used to clear mines; leadership training; and drill instructor training.

The number of Defence Forces personnel who may be deployed to the training mission at any given time is limited to 30 in line with the Government approval. This number includes the trainers who will be delivering training directly to UAF personnel as well as the Defence Forces’ personnel deployed in the mission’s operational headquarters in Brussels and the multinational special training command, STC, in Strausberg, Germany.

Together with partners, the Defence Forces have since delivered training to members of the UAF in de-mining and clearance in Cyprus with six personnel deployed from 16 April to 12 May. Mining is a significant issue. I was speaking to ministers from Croatia during the week. It has taken Croatia 30 years to de-mine following the conflict in which it was involved. Training has also been provided in tactical combat casualty care-combat life saver in Germany with six personnel deployed from 18 June to 2 July with a second iteration of the tactical combat casualty care-combat life saver in Germany with six personnel deployed from 18 Sept to 3 October and a module of drill instructor training with 12 personnel deployed that is ongoing in Germany. These trainers are supplemented by one member of the Defence Forces deployed in the mission’s operational headquarters in Brussels and three personnel in the STC in Strausberg, Germany.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

The DF have a draft programme of training to be provided up to March 2024, which is subject to regular updating.

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