Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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408. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which in the context of review of Ireland’s defence policy, if it is expected to have regard to best defence policy practice in other European Member States with particular reference to the need to be in a position to respond to potential acts of terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12122/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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409. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces here are likely to be in a position to avail of best international military practice in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12123/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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416. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which he expects the Defence Forces here to be in a position to co-operate with the Defence Forces in other European jurisdictions in combatting terrorism or security emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12130/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 408, 409 and 416 together.

The review of Ireland's defence policy is an issue for national consideration. However, as with the formulation of any policy, best practice and lessons learnt in other jurisdictions will always inform such policy formulation to ensure that it is robust, coherent and meets the needs of Ireland.

The response to acts of terrorism within the borders of the EU falls outside the remit of the EUs Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). This is an issue for the national security authorities of each member State and the EU does not deploy military assets under CSDP within the borders of the EU.

Ireland joined the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (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 24 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 trained peacekeepers for international crisis management and peacekeeping operations mandated by the UN. Membership of PfP has allowed the Defence Forces to gain access to NATO standards – which are internationally-recognised as representing best practice for the development of military capabilities.

The preparation of a new White Paper on Defence is a priority and drafting of the document is well underway.  A key part of the development of the White Paper is the consideration of potential challenges to our defence and security environment that may emerge into the future. As recent events have highlighted, the defence and security environment can be volatile and unpredictable. In the course of deliberations on the White Paper the views of international organisations have been sought with a particular focus on likely future trends in international peace support operations. This work will underpin recommendations regarding future defence provision.