Written answers

Thursday, 29 June 2006

Department of Foreign Affairs

Common Foreign and Security Policy

8:00 pm

Photo of Liam TwomeyLiam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to security and defence cooperation at European Union level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25135/06]

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest discussions he has held with his European counterparts with regard to cooperation in the matter of security and defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25136/06]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 113 together.

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 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.

As I have previously emphasised, 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 Art 29 of 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.

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. There are ten ESDP crisis management missions currently underway, both civilian and military, some of which combine both military and civilian elements. The civilian missions range from police and rule of law advisory and training missions, assistance to security sector reform, border monitoring missions and ceasefire monitoring missions. The main ongoing military mission has been the peace stabilisation mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina (EUFOR Althea).

Additionally, on 12 June 2006, the EU launched a military crisis management mission, at the request of the UN, to provide support for the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) during the forthcoming electoral period there. An EU Planning Team has also been deployed to Kosovo in recent weeks to prepare for a possible rule of law advisory mission in that country.

I met my EU counterparts at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 15-16 May, where we discussed a range of issues including civil military co-ordination, security sector reform in the Western Balkans and emergency and crisis response. I also represented the Taoiseach at the European Council on 15-16 June, where conclusions on improving the EU's emergency and crisis response capabilities were agreed and the Austrian Presidency report on ESDP was endorsed.

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