Dáil debates

Tuesday, 12 October 2010

4:00 am

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will seek an interim agreement at the next meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in setting up a rapid response corps, consisting of existing battle groups, to deal with global humanitarian crises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36024/10]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The question of whether and how military assets and capabilities can best be used in responding to humanitarian emergencies was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council in June in the context of the Union's response to the Haiti earthquake. EU action in response to humanitarian crises is framed in the context of an overall international approach that brings together the United Nations, the Red Cross movement, humanitarian NGOs and others in support of action by the national authorities of the country concerned. There is general agreement that humanitarian assistance should respect the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence. Accordingly, humanitarian action should be civilian in character and leadership.

However, it is established UN and EU policy that in certain circumstances humanitarian aid may draw upon military assets, notably for logistical and infrastructure support. This would normally occur where there is no comparable civilian alternative and where only the use of military assets can meet a critical humanitarian need. Operating procedures and co-ordination arrangements for military support to EU disaster response have been put in place within the overall framework of humanitarian operations retaining their civilian nature and character.

There is considerable divergence of views among partners on the use and potential effectiveness of battle groups in a humanitarian context - not least because many of their components are not appropriate for disaster relief. This means that a battle group may not be able to provide the necessary capabilities within the timeframe required, even if it is decided that the use of military units is appropriate in the particular circumstances. I am in favour of further consideration of this question among our partners. Ireland's position on this matter is pragmatic and needs-driven. Once it is clear that there is no comparable civilian alternative available to meet a critical humanitarian need, military assets should be deployed be they elements drawn from a stand-by EU battle group or generated for that specific purpose from the member states, whichever is the more appropriate.

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Is the Minister aware of the suggestion made by Brigadier General Stefan Andersson, who commands the Nordic Battlegroup 2011, in which Irish troops will take part next year with Sweden, Norway, Finland and Estonia and will be on standby for rapid deployment in the event of a military crisis, that the EU should consider broadening the range of possible deployments for the battle groups to include natural disasters and humanitarian crises such as the Haiti earthquake? The Brigadier General went on to state that within the Nordic battle group is a medical company, transport, helicopters, tactical aircraft and well trained soldiers who can support those who need support in such situations. I have spoken to people in the Irish Defence Forces who say they are ready, willing, able and capable of being discharged to assist in humanitarian crises and disasters. To fight whom are we keeping this military force on standby when it could be being used to assist in dealing with disasters such as occurred in Pakistan?

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that I quoted the Brigadier General's comments at the last meeting of the Joint Committee of European Affairs. I agree with Deputy Barrett. I also agreed with a number of members at the European Foreign Affairs Council that the battle group should be utilised to assist in disasters such as occurred in Haiti. This would be a good demonstration of the importance and relevance of battle groups and justification for the background work that goes into their formation, training and so on. There is no disagreement on this issue.

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Does the Minister agree that the title of the group as a battle group has been a disaster?

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Does he agree that all of the evidence coming from Afghanistan and every other place wherein there is a military presence alongside an aid presence, that aid activity which has been militarised has been a little less than disastrous?

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Is it not the case, in terms of the review of Haiti, that any real dangers which occur are as a result of there being the slightest prospect of militarisation and that, therefore, humanitarian response and aid requires, if it is to be effective, to be at arm's length distance and observable and transparent to the receiving population?

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My response to the Deputy's first question is, yes the name has been a disaster. On the second question, to use the Afghanistan context is not fair in the context of the question being asked because I can foresee situations where the presence of the military can be advantageous to humanitarian assistance. Indeed, it can be indispensable to the provision of humanitarian aid.

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Logistics.