Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 144: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has discussed Ireland's role in EU cooperation in security and defence with his European counterparts recently; the nature of these conversations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10400/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) is an integral part of the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy, the principles and objectives of which are set out in the Maastricht, Amsterdam and Nice Treaties, approved by the people at successive referenda. Comprehensive reports on activities under the ESDP are submitted to the European Council at the conclusion of each Council Presidency.

At present, eight ESDP missions, both civilian and military, are under way. The civilian missions include police and rule of law missions, security sector reform assistance, and border monitoring missions in the Balkans, the Middle East and Africa. The principal military mission remains the ongoing peace stabilisation mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina (EUFOR Althea). Additionally, an EU Planning Team has been deployed to Kosovo to prepare for an expected rule of law mission in Kosovo to commence — depending on progress regarding Special Envoy Ahtisaari's status proposals — in early summer, in succession to the current UN mission operating there. EU Foreign Ministers have also held initial discussions regarding an ESDP mission in Afghanistan to assist with police training and other related tasks.

Current and future ESDP missions are considered in detail twice yearly by Foreign and Defence Ministers meeting together at the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC), most recently last November. In addition, individual missions are discussed as appropriate by Foreign Ministers at the regular monthly GAERC meetings. The revised Operating Plan for EUFOR Althea in Bosnia Herzegovina, for example, was noted at the GAERC meeting earlier this month. I continue also to have regular discussions of relevant ESDP issues, where appropriate, with my EU counterparts at bilateral meetings as they occur.

The Government are also continuing to discuss with relevant partners preparations for Ireland to participate in the Nordic EU Battlegroup, which is to be on standby in the first half of 2008. A motion seeking approval for our participation will be placed before Dáil Éireann shortly. Any actual deployment of the Irish contingent of the Nordic Battlegroup will of course remain subject to the requirements of the 'triple lock' of Government decision, Dáil approval and UN authorization.