Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 227: To ask the Minister for Defence the position in regard to the extent of future participation in EU or NATO led or inspired rapid response forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26322/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

With regard to Ireland's participation in future Battlegroups, we are committed in principle to participation in the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG) which will be on stand-by for the first six (6) months of 2011. Other contributors to the Nordic Battlegroup are Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway and Estonia.

Informal discussions have also taken place between staff in the Department of Defence and representatives from Austria, Germany, Czech Republic and Croatia regarding Ireland's possible participation in the proposed Austrian/German Battlegroup. This Battlegroup will be on stand-by for the second six (6) months of 2012.

Government approval will be required before participation in either Battlegroup is finalised.

The Defence Forces do not and will not be participating in any manner in the NATO Response Force.