Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 739: To ask the Minister for Defence if joint training exercises have been undertaken by the Defence Forces with the other armies involved in the Nordic Battle Group since its inception; and if so the cost of same. [14820/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Government approved Ireland's participation in the Swedish-led Nordic Battlegroups 2008 and 2011. Regarding Nordic Battlegroup 2008, Irish Defence Forces participated in two joint training exercises. An exercise entitled 'Illuminated Summer' took place during the period 02-13 July 2007 while an exercise entitled 'Nordic Resolution' took place during the period 01-16 November 2007. The cost for involvement of Irish soldiers in military exercises within the Nordic Battlegroup 2008 was €522,728.00. The Nordic Battlegroup 2011 will be on standby for six months commencing on the 1st January 2011. To date Ireland has deployed four Officers to serve in staff posts at the Force Headquarters in Enkoping, Sweden and these officers took up their duties on the 28th August 2009. The Nordic Battlegroup 2011 has not undertaken any military exercises to date. Consequently, no costs on military exercises have been incurred by the Department of Defence in respect of this Battlegroup.