John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Defence the relationship between the new EU battle groups and the EU constitution's permanent structured co-operation; if most of the battle groups will be a part of permanent structured co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17556/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The European constitution proposes a new arrangement known as "permanent structured co-operation"— to enable those member states wishing to do so to commit to being able to undertake the most demanding crisis management missions. Structured co-operation is open to all member states, on the condition that they undertake to enhance their defence capacities through the development of national contributions and subject to participation in a number of areas specified in the constitution.

Member states can indicate their decision to take part in structured co-operation once the constitution comes into force. Alternatively, member states who decide not to participate immediately can decide to do so at a later date, providing they meet the criteria outlined. Member states which participate in structured co-operation may also withdraw from it. Decision making procedures in structured co-operation are set out in the European constitution. These provide that decisions will be taken by unanimity among the states participating in permanent structured co-operation. The detailed arrangements for the implementation of structured co-operation have yet to be elaborated.

Structured co-operation will be possible only upon entry into force of the European constitution which, subject to national ratification procedures, is envisaged in 2007. The purpose is to ensure that the Union shall have at its disposal the capabilities necessary to tackle the most demanding higher level crisis management missions under the Petersberg Tasks.

There is no specific link between structured co-operation and battle groups. While it may be the case that a group of countries which enter into structured co-operation may, as a result of this, provide a battle group from within their joint resources, there is no obligation on the part of those who form a battle group to enter into structured co-operation.

The Government will take a decision on whether Ireland should participate in structured co-operation in due course, once it becomes clear as to precisely what commitments are involved.