Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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14. To ask the Minister for Defence if Defence Forces personnel were party to any activity anywhere in Libyan territory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25092/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to the European Union military operation, EUNAVFOR MED, which following the formal Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 22 June, a Council Decision to launch the mission was adopted. The mission is one element of a comprehensive approach to addressing the migration crisis in the South Central Mediterranean. The Mission will be implemented in sequential phases and the first phase of the operation, to support the detection and monitoring of migration networks through information gathering and patrolling in accordance with international law, will commence shortly. To move beyond the first phase the Council will assess whether the conditions for transition have been met, taking into account any applicable UN Security Council Resolution and the consent of the coastal States concerned. The second phase involves the targeting, seizure and possible destruction of the vessels and assets of human traffickers. The third phase is an operational/disruption phase.

Consideration of participation by the Irish Defence Forces in EU NAVFOR Med will only occur if there is a UN Security Council Resolution and the applicable National statutory requirements are met. I understand that discussions on a draft Security Council Resolution are ongoing.

In the meantime I can assure the Deputy that no members of the Defence Forces have conducted operations in Libyan territory. This includes Libyan Territorial Waters.