Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 96: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the ongoing developments at European level with regard to a common European security and defence arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2640/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the context of the European security and defence policy, ESDP, the Union is increasing its ability to contribute to both the civilian and military dimensions of crisis management. There is great value in the comparative advantage of the EU in this area, given the Union's unique range of "soft power" instruments to utilise for conflict prevention, crisis management and peace promotion purposes. These include political, diplomatic, economic, humanitarian and civil and military instruments.

Over the past year, the ESDP has become increasingly operational. Following significant preparatory work undertaken by the Irish Presidency, the EU launched Operation Althea in December last year, a follow-on military crisis management mission to the previous NATO-led SFOR mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This is the largest ESDP mission to date. Some 7,000 personnel from 33 countries are participating, including 53 members of the Irish Defence Forces. The mission is authorised by a Chapter VII UN mandate, as was the case for SFOR.

In addition, the work of the EU police missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina and in the Former Republic of Macedonia, FYROM, is continuing, with the former headed by Assistant Commissioner Kevin Carty of the Garda Síochána. Preparations for a police mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo are under way and the mission is expected to deploy in the first half of this year.

The EU is also continuing to develop its capabilities for crisis management, both military and civilian. The European Defence Agency, established last year, is intended to play a central role in addressing shortfalls in European capabilities. It has functions in the areas of defence capabilities development, armaments co-operation, the defence industry and research and technology. The agency should ensure that the defence forces of EU member states are properly equipped to carry out crisis management missions.

The development of the battlegroups-rapid response elements concept has been an important focal point for ESDP. Member states have committed up to 13 battlegroup formations which will be available to deploy to crisis situations within a 15 day period from 2005 onwards. Some 22 member states are committed to participating in the initiative.

The Union is also examining how existing civilian capabilities can be further developed to ensure a more rapid and flexible EU response to crisis situations. The aftermath of the tsunami has demonstrated the importance of developing such a capability.

While ESDP continues to develop in response to the changes affecting Europe's security environment, the provision in the treaties for a common defence remains only a possibility. In the European constitution, the possibility of an EU common defence is based on the existing treaty article. This would be for decision by the European Council acting unanimously and in accordance with member states' constitutional requirements.

In any event, Ireland's position is clear. The amendment to Bunreacht na hÉireann in October 2002 precludes Ireland from participating in a common defence. As a consequence, the Irish people would have to amend Bunreacht na hÉireann before Ireland could take part in a common defence.