Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Defence the further exercises of the Nordic battlegroup to which Ireland contributes personnel that are planned; when they will be held and the planned location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34158/07]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Sweden to attend the final ground exercise for the Nordic battlegroup. [34155/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 81 together.

On 7 November 2007, I visited Sweden to attend the Final Exercise (FINEX), carried out by the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG). The exercise, which commenced on 21 October 2007 continued until 12 November 2007. The total number of Irish Defence Force personnel who participated in the exercise was 93 and included the Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD), HQ staff and exercise assessor personnel. The exercise was designed to test the interoperability and strategic movement of the Nordic Battlegroup (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 involved a deployment by rail, sea and air to the North of Sweden and the subsequent conduct of tactical operations. The deployment exercise was 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 air base 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. During the visit I took the opportunity to meet with the Defence Ministers of the other four contribution nations in the Battlegroup. I also had the opportunity to meet with and receive separate briefings on the exercise from the representatives of the Irish contingent and Force Commander Brigadier General Karl Engelbrektsson (Sweden).

At present there are no further exercises of this nature planned for the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG). Other exercises may be planned. However, present indications are that these will be focussed on the staff based in the Force and Operation Headquarters.