Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the changing of policy in relation to NATO and the use of troops in Mali and Afghanistan. [9344/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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There has been no change in policy in relation to Ireland’s engagement in NATO or in the current deployment of personnel to Afghanistan, or the proposed deployment of troops to Mali, which is subject to Government approval. Ireland’s relations with NATO are set within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) and Partnership for Peace (PfP), including its Planning and Review Process (PARP).

Ireland joined EAPC and Partnership for Peace (PfP) on 1 December 1999. The EAPC is a multi-lateral body, made up of the 28 members of NATO and the members of PfP, for political and security-related dialogue and consultation between its members.

The primary aim of our PfP participation is to enhance the Defence Forces’ interoperability with other professional military forces for the purpose of engaging in UN authorised peacekeeping and peace support operations led by the UN, EU or NATO. Participation in PfP is fundamental to Ireland being able to meet its obligations in providing professional peacekeepers for international crisis management and peacekeeping operations mandated by the UN.

Ireland has been participating in the UN mandated NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF) since 2002. The continued participation by members of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF is reviewed annually by the Government and is subject to ongoing review by the Minister.

The ISAF operation is mandated under a number of United Nations Security Council Resolutions, since its establishment. In relation to the possible participation by members of the Permanent Defence Force in the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali), this mission is provided for under United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2071 (2012) and 2085 (2012).