Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on the recent joint exercise in Sweden by members of the Defence Forces with troops from other countries in Europe; the number of troops involved; if further such exercises are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27733/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which it is proposed that members of the Irish Defence Forces are expected to participate in training procedures in preparation for EU battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27980/07]

Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 159 together.

The military exercise in Sweden, to which the Deputy refers, is the Final Exercise (FINEX) being carried out by the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG). The exercise, which commenced on 21st October, will continue until the 12th November.

The total number of Irish Defence Force personnel participating in the exercise is 93 and includes the Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD), HQ staff and exercise assessor personnel.

The exercise is designed to test the interoperability and strategic movement of the NBG. The first phase of the exercise was conducted in the South of Sweden and included combined tactical operations based on EU approved scenarios.

The second part of the exercise involves a deployment by rail, sea and air to the North of Sweden and the subsequent conduct of tactical operations. The deployment exercise is designed to practice the NBG in the procedures and skills that are required for a real life deployment.

The Nordic Battlegroup consists of a combined total of approximately 2,610 personnel, depending on the components required. The contributing nations in this Battlegroup are Sweden, Finland, Norway, Ireland and Estonia. Sweden as the framework nation takes the lead role in the NBG formation and will contribute approximately 2,200 personnel. This includes the core of the unit, which consists of a light mechanised infantry battalion of some 1,500 soldiers. The infantry battalion can be reinforced with support resources such as engineering, logistics, anti-aircraft, intelligence, transport helicopter, medical or mine clearance units. Should the need arise, combat aircraft with an airbase unit or special forces can also be deployed.

The approximate contribution of personnel from the other nations to the Battlegroup are — Finland, 150, Norway, 100, Ireland, 100 and Estonia, 60. At present there are no further exercises of this nature planned for the NBG.