Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

381. To ask the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 122 of 30 April 2015, the measures he is in favour of, in relation to the Common Security and Defence Policy approach to the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean; the measures he is opposed to; and if there will be any involvement from the Defence Forces. [18173/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Discussions in relation to the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) approach to the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean are ongoing. Ireland will continue to participate actively in discussions on the various strands of the EU’s comprehensive strategy, and to contribute to EU efforts to prevent further loss of life at sea.

With regard to a possible deployment of Defence Forces personnel to a CSDP mission, no mission could be launched by the EU without unanimity amongst all 28 Member States. If and when there is agreement at EU level, Ireland will give careful consideration to any requests it may receive from the EU in relation to participation in those activities. Any question of Defence Forces personnel participation will be examined at that stage.

Pending further discussions at international level, a number of EU member States, including Ireland, are progressing arrangements to provide various forms of assistance to alleviate the crisis in the Mediterranean.

In line with the Taoiseach’s commitment at the European Council on 23 April, all efforts are currently directed at deploying an Irish Naval vessel at the earliest opportunity to take part in humanitarian efforts. A range of cross-Governmental matters, including legal issues have been finalised.Operational and logistics planning for the deployment have been completed. In addition discussions are at an advanced stage with the Italian authorities on arrangements covering a number of issues relating to the deployment of the Vessel, including the coordination of the Vessel’s operations and disembarkation of persons and/or vessels in distress.

The deployment of the Naval Service was approved by Government today. I am satisfied that we will be in a position to dispatch the Naval vessel to the Mediterranean shortly.