Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 82: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will clarify the position of Enterprise Ireland in relation to the European Defence Agency; the purpose of those attending meetings of the EDA from Enterprise Ireland; the nature of EDA meetings attended by Enterprise Ireland; the number of EDA meetings which Enterprise Ireland attended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21553/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Defence has primary responsibility for Ireland's interaction with the European Defence Agency (EDA) and I have no function in the matter. Enterprise Ireland (EI) does not represent Ireland at meetings of the EDA and has no powers to conclude agreements relating to the EDA on behalf of the State. Ireland's representation at meetings of the EDA is provided by the Department of Defence. I understand from EI however, that at the request of the Department of Defence, EI has provided expert advice to that Department at specific meetings.

At the request of the Department of Defence, EI has attended a number of meetings of the Research and Technology (R&T) Points of Contact, the annual European Defence Agency R&T Conference and the CAPTEC Expert meeting on Space Systems and technologies. Following the decision by Government to join the Joint Investment Programme (JIP) on Force Protection, EI has also attended a number of meetings of the JIP Management Committee. The purpose of EI's engagement was to ensure that there was no conflict between R&T issues being addressed by the European Defence Agency, and those that were being addressed by the EU Commission meetings, which EI attend. EI's advice and participation at EDA meetings was considered beneficial in identifying any potential overlap that may have arisen in the R&T forum.