Written answers

Thursday, 9 May 2013

Department of Defence

European Defence Agency

Photo of Andrew DoyleAndrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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174. To ask the Minister for Defence if he will outline Ireland's contribution financially to the European Defence Agency since its inception; if any staff from his Department or the Irish Defence Forces have been seconded to the EDA; if so, under what terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22090/13]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The European Defence Agency was set up in 2004 during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU. On 6 July 2004, the Government approved Ireland’s participation in the framework of the EDA on the basis of a memorandum submitted by the Minister for Defence, in association with the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Ireland contributes, on an annual basis, to the operational budget of the Agency. The financial commitment of participants to this budget is in accordance with EDA funding principles, based on gross national income (GNI) key. Ireland’s contribution to the budget of the EDA to date is:

Year                                    Amount
2013 (as at 07/05/13)
€136,940.00
2012
€354,205.78
2011
€284,036.55
2010
€315,760.00
2009
€584,807.00
2008
€571,850.00
2007
€459.100.00
2006
€226,530.00
2005
€224,000.00
2004
€21,733.00

These figures include Ireland’s contribution to (1) Joint Investment Programme on Force Protection of €230,000 per year from 2007 to 2010; (2) Joint Investment Programme on CBRN €30,000 per year over four years from 2012; and (3) Maritime Surveillance (MARSUR) Category B Ad Hoc Project €40,000 per year for three years from 2012. As part of the EDA’s annual work programme, Ireland participates in project teams and working groups engaged in the ongoing work in various capability development areas that will be of benefit to the Defence Forces. The four main initiatives that Ireland is involved in are: The Joint Investment Programme on Force Protection launched in 2007. The Maritime Surveillance Project launched in 2011. The Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear protection project launched in 2011. Pooling and Sharing Naval Training Initiative, in which Ireland is taking a lead role, launched in 2011.

In relation to Ireland’s involvement in the Pooling and Sharing Naval Training Initiative, the Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency requested Ireland to consider seconding a National Expert to the Agency to progress this initiative. Ireland agreed to second an Intern to the European Defence Agency, and a Naval Officer has taken up the internship for a six month period beginning on 2nd May 2013. During the next six months it is hoped that progress will be made in areas such as Hydrography and the use of Simulators for training purposes. The Agency will cover travel and other expenses and a daily allowance while the Department will pay the salary of the individual involved.

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