Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will participate in EU battlegroups in view of the recent developments in this matter at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18605/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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At last November's European Union military capabilities commitment conference, Ireland indicated that it was prepared to enter into consultations with partners with a view to potential participation in the battlegroups initiative. As reported previously to the House, I have subsequently undertaken consultations with my counterparts from Sweden, Finland and Austria on the role that battlegroups, or rapid response elements as they are also known, can play in enhancing the EU's crisis management capabilities.

An interdepartmental group, which includes representatives of my Department, the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Attorney General's office, is currently examining the policy, legislative and operational issues arising from Ireland's possible participation in rapid response elements. The work of the group is ongoing.

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

I would highlight that the value and importance of rapid response elements for dealing with crises at the request of the United Nations has been strongly emphasised by the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan. In his recent report on UN reform entitled, In Larger Freedom, Kofi Annan particularly noted the decision by the European Union to create standby battlegroups as a very valuable contribution to the efforts of the United Nations in this area.

Participation in battlegroups would have no implications for our policy of military neutrality. Any Irish participation in an actual operation would remain a sovereign national decision, subject to the usual requirements of Government decision, Dáil approval and UN authorisation.