Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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411. To ask the Minister for Defence the degree to which he has ongoing discussions with his European Union colleagues and the United Nations with a view to determination of the most appropriate defence policy in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12125/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The issue of defence policy is a national competence and the EU is not involved in its formulation. However, discussions are held in the context of developing an EU approach in certain areas such as military missions, defence capabilities and generic EU policies in relation to defence i.e. cyber security, maritime security etc. that affects the security of the EU as a whole.

These discussions occur four times per year, twice when Defence Ministers convene at the formal Foreign Affairs Council in Defence Ministers format and twice at the informal meetings of Ministers of Defence that are held in the country holding the Presidency of the European Council.

The meetings of Defence Ministers provide an opportunity for Ministers to discuss and make decisions on Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) issues. All Member States are represented at these meetings. However, Denmark does not participate in the decision making process under its general opt-out on decisions with defence or military implications. In addition, EU organisations including the European External Action Service, the Council Secretariat, the European Commission, the European Defence Agency, the Chairman of the EU Military Staff and the Chairman of the EU Military Committee also attend. Operational Commanders may also brief the Ministers on the most recent developments in the various EU missions.

Regarding discussions with the United Nations, there are no formal discussions on future defence policy. However, United Nations Representatives, typically from the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), also attend the meetings mentioned above in order to enhance co-operation between the EU and the UN.