Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken to work toward the development of new EU battlegroup formations along with Ireland's European counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34428/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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EU Battlegroups are being developed under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). ESDP is an integral part of the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Strengthening the ability of the EU to be able to respond quickly to emerging crises is a key objective of the development of the ESDP, and has been specifically supported by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan. An important aspect of ESDP is the development of a standby military rapid response capacity, in the form of Battlegroups. All our partners in the EU — with the exception of Denmark, which has an opt-out in this area, and Malta — have made commitments to contribute to a specific Battlegroup formation. Ireland indicated to its EU partners in 2004 a positive disposition to taking part in Battlegroups.

Following an interdepartmental report to the Minister for Defence on Battlegroups and subsequent consideration by the Government, representatives from the Department of Defence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Defence Forces have met with Sweden, as framework nation, to discuss possible participation by the Defence Forces in the Nordic Battlegroup. This is due to be on standby during the first half of 2008, and at present has commitments from Sweden, Finland, Norway and Estonia.

Our representatives outlined Ireland's position in relation to international peacekeeping generally and provided information on the capabilities which Ireland could make available to a Battlegroup. Following the most recent meetings, detailed parameters of a possible contribution by Ireland to the Nordic Battlegroup are being worked through and are close to finalisation. The Minister for Defence informed the House on 12 October that the total number of personnel involved is expected to be somewhere between 80 and 100, comprising an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)/Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) contingent with its own security detail, together with staff posts at the Operational and Force headquarters. I understand from the Minister for Defence that he expects to bring the matter to Government for decision shortly. My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Defence, the Permanent Defence Forces and our Nordic and Estonian partners.

I welcome the fact that progress is being made on an Irish contribution to EU Battlegroups. This is very much in keeping with our traditional commitment to UN peacekeeping and responds to the specific request of the UN Secretary General. It is appropriate that our first involvement is likely to be with the Nordic Battlegroup, given our strong ties with the Nordic countries in UN peacekeeping.

Any decision on the actual deployment of the Irish contingent in an operation as part of the Battlegroup will, of course, be a matter for sovereign decision, and the requirements of the "triple lock" of Government decision, Dáil approval and UN authorisation will have to be satisfied.