Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether legislative change will be required for Irish participation in EU battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13507/05]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any recent discussions with his EU counterparts on the new EU battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13683/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 54 together.

As I reported to the House in February, I have already undertaken consultations with the Foreign Ministers of Sweden and Finland on the issue of the ongoing development of the European security and defence policy and the role that battlegroups-rapid response elements can play in enhancing the EU's crisis management capabilities.

I discussed with both ministers plans by Finland and Sweden to participate in the initiative, including the establishment of a Swedish-led battlegroup with the participation of Finland, Norway and Estonia. I also briefed Minister Freivalds and Minister Tuomioja on considerations which will be brought to bear in considering Ireland's participation in the initiative, including our commitment to the triple lock policy, involving the need for Government and Dáil approval and UN authorisation in the deployment of Defence Forces personnel to crisis management missions overseas.

I also intend to raise the issue of battlegroups-rapid response elements when I meet myAustrian counterpart in Vienna later this week.

An interdepartmental group, which includes representatives of my Department, the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Office of the Attorney General, has been established to examine the policy, legislative and operational issues arising from Ireland's possible participation. The work of the group is ongoing and includes consideration of whether legislative change would be needed were Ireland to decide to participate in the battlegroups-rapid response elements initiative.

I believe that this consultation process and the report of the interdepartmental group will enable the Government to make a fully informed decision on Ireland's participation in rapid response elements.