Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Defence the position in regard to the development and participation in EU or UN sponsored RAPID response forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36426/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland participated in the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG), which was on stand-by from 1 January 2008 to 30 June 2008. The other members of the Nordic Battlegroup were Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway and Estonia. The Defence Forces contribution to the NBG was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (EOD/IEDD) contingent with its own security detail. Battlegroups have been on stand-by in the European Union since 1 January 2007. To date no Battlegroup has been deployed.

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, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) 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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces will receive ongoing training and equipment in keeping with other defence forces on EU or UN sponsored missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36427/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Defence Forces receive ongoing training and equipment to enable them to participate fully in UN, EU and other missions overseas. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training, designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated in the light of increased threat. I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel serving overseas receive the necessary training to enable them to carry out their duties in a professional manner.

Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and we continually review both personal equipment and force assets, to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles.