John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to European developments in the sphere of security and defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6854/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The European security and defence policy, ESDP, is an integral part of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, CFSP, and serves the Union's general objectives of peace and stability. These objectives and the provisions governing the ESDP are set out in the Treaties of Amsterdam and of Nice, which were approved by referendum. In this context, the European Union is increasing its ability to contribute to both the civilian and military dimensions of crisis management.

It is important to distinguish between the ESDP, which continues to develop, and the possibility of a common defence. Any move to a common defence would be for decision by the European Council acting unanimously and in accordance with member states' constitutional requirements. At present, there are no proposals for such a move. 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 people would have to amend Bunreacht na hÉireann before Ireland could take part in a common defence.

The Union is continuing to develop its capabilities for crisis management, both military and civilian. The objectives which it has set itself are clearly set out in the military headline goal 2010 and the civilian headline goal 2008. The General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting on 21 November 2005 reviewed the progress of activities in both of these areas. The Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, on behalf of the Minister for Defence, reported to the House on 7 December 2005 in relation to the military elements of the discussion. On progress towards the civilian headline goal, Ministers adopted a declaration in which they reiterated their strong commitment to the further development of civilian crisis management and noted with satisfaction the work undertaken to date. Ministers recommended that priority should be given to improving the EU's ability to react more quickly to crises, as well as to addressing issues related to the logistical support and financing of the EU's civilian crisis management actions.

An important aspect of ESDP is the development of a standby military rapid response capacity, in the form of battlegroups. As Deputies will be aware, the establishment by the EU of such a capacity has received the strong support of the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, and been endorsed in the outcome document of the world summit last September.

Almost all EU member states have already made a commitment to contribute to a specific battlegroup formation. Apart from Ireland, the only countries which have not done so are Denmark, which is in a special position due to its opt-out in this area, and Malta. Ireland has indicated to its EU partners a positive disposition to taking part in battlegroups, and the legal, operational and other issues surrounding participation have been considered by an interdepartmental working group established by the Minister for Defence, which included representatives of my own Department. The report of the working group has been considered by the Cabinet committee on European affairs and, informally, by the Government. Further to this consideration, as the Minister for Defence recently announced, exploratory discussions with like-minded countries will begin shortly with regard to the possibility of participation by the Defence Forces in a battlegroup.