Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 473: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the EU External Relations Commissioner's proposal for an EU international civil crisis management force or Eurocorps; and the reason there will be no international cooperation to establish such a force under UN control. [1549/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The European Union has been working in recent years to develop the Union's civilian capabilities to respond to crisis situations, both in respect of natural disasters such as the Asian tsunami and in respect of conflict and post-conflict scenarios.

The European Commission has submitted no formal proposal concerning an international crisis management force. However, as part of ongoing follow-up to the Asian tsunami, the General Affairs and External Relations Council will, on 31 January 2005, consider a draft action plan circulated by the Presidency. This action plan proposes that member states should look at how current instruments could be enhanced and examine the possibility of developing a new EU civilian rapid response capability. The draft action plan takes full account of the central role played by the United Nations.

The Government has consistently supported the development of the EU's civilian capabilities to respond to crisis situations. We will continue to play our part in enhancing the EU's civilian capabilities, including through contributing to any new rapid response civilian structures that may be developed. Co-operation between the EU and the UN in the civilian crisis management area remains an important priority for taking forward work in this area.