Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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143. To ask the Minister for Defence if he has been involved in recent discussions in the European Union in relation to a future peacekeeping arrangement in Libya under the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy; his views on whether the involvement of the Irish Defence Forces in such an operation would be appropriate, in view of the role of a number of European Union member states in the bombing of Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11612/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Dara Murphy, T.D., attended the recent Foreign Affairs Council on Monday 16 March 2015, when the crisis in Libya was discussed. During the meeting, EU Foreign Ministers reiterated their support for the ongoing UN-facilitated talks on Libya, and the efforts of United Nations Special Representative Bernadino León to achieve a sustainable ceasefire between the parties and a political solution to the crisis.

EU Foreign Ministers also agreed during the Council meeting that the EU stands ready to enhance its support to Libya as soon as any agreement on a Government of National Unity is reached and related security arrangements are in place. In this context, the Council invited the High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission to present proposals of possible Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) activities, as part of a wider set of policy options, to support the potential outcome of the talks.

A wide range of possible options is being examined including CSDP activities, rule of law, economic actions etc. Any initiative will be undertaken in close coordination with the UN which is leading the negotiations.

With regard to a possible deployment of Defence Forces personnel to a future EU mission in Libya, Ireland is hopeful that the promise of a political resolution to the crisis in Libya can be fulfilled. In the event that the EU was to launch a CSDP mission in Libya, this would require a request from a Libyan Government of National Unity. Furthermore, no mission could be launched by the EU without unanimity amongst all 28 Member States. Any question of Defence Forces personnel participation will be examined at that stage.