Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 448: To ask the Minister for Defence the recent discussions he has had in the context of European defence and security issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18160/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 450: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has had discussions with his EU and UN colleagues in the context of future overseas deployments of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18162/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions 448 and 450 together.

I regularly meet with my EU colleagues in the context of the European Security and Defence Policy. Two (2) meetings of EU Defence Ministers are held during each six (6) monthly EU Presidency. These meetings present the opportunity to engage in discussions with my Defence colleagues from the other member States of the Union on issues of mutual concern. Discussions at these meetings cover a wide range of European Security and Defence issues, including current operations, cooperation with other international organisations, including the United Nations and NATO in relation to peace support operations, and the development of EU military and civilian capabilities for crisis management operations. The next meeting I am due to attend at EU level will be the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting in Brussels on 18th May 2009.

I am also kept abreast of issues arising within UN from reports on meetings attended by officials from my Department and Military Representatives, especially in relation current and possible future overseas deployments of members of the Defence Forces on UN mandated missions.