Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Department is currently examining a number of options for future deployment and in this regard, it has been in contact with the United Nations in relation to its requirements for missions. A number of options are being developed by Civilian and Military management and subject, to their advice, I would expect to be in a position to consider the proposals and bring forward recommendations to Government as appropriate towards the end of the year.

With regard to Ireland's participation in future Battlegroups, we are committed 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. Our contribution in 2011 will be a Recce/ISTAR. Recce is an abbreviation of Reconnaissance. ISTAR is an acronym for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target, Acquisition and Reconnaissance. Recce/ISTAR Company together with staff posts at both the Operational and Force headquarters amounting to approximately 150 personnel.

Ireland is also committed to participation in the Austro-German led Battlegroup, which will be on stand-by for the second six (6) months of 2012. Other contributors to the Austro-German Battlegroup are Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Ireland's contribution to this Battlegroup will again be a Recce/ISTAR Company of approximately 130 personnel.

The Government has approved participation in both Battlegroups.