Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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19. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the total cost to the Exchequer of Irish participation in the EU battle groups since their foundation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33813/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Participation in EU Battlegroups demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to the development of EU capabilities in the area of crisis management and contributes to our overall credibility within the Union. Ireland’s continuing active engagement in EU Battlegroups enhances our capacity to influence the ongoing development and evolution of the rapid response capacity of the EU, in particular, the role Battlegroups can play in reinforcing and acting as a strategic reserve for UN operations. The United Nations strongly supports the development of Battlegroups as a capability that could be made available in support of UN mandated missions. It also supports the development of rapid deployment skills and capabilities within the Defence Forces, together with improved interoperability with like-minded States. Participation in EU Battlegroups further supports Ireland’s international security and defence policy and enhances our bilateral relations with contributing Member States.

To date Ireland has participated in the Nordic Battlegroup in 2008, 2011 and 2015 as well as the Austro-German Battlegroup in 2012. Ireland is currently participating in both the German led and UK led Battlegroups which stood up on 01 July 2016 until 31 December 2016.

The total costs directly associated with Irish participation in EU Battlegroups between 2007 and 31 December 2015 amount to just under €9.5 million, of which approximately €6m is direct payroll costs which would have been incurred in the normal course. The remaining €3.5 million, relates to subsistence, allowances, transport, flights and other such costs incurred during the preparation and standby period for the Battlegroup. In the time available, my Department has not been able to fully validate all the costs incurred. Should the final figure which emerges be materially different, I will write to the Deputy.

The final figures for 2016 participation will not be known until after the German and UK led Battlegroup's stand down on 01 January 2017.

In respect of the German led Battlegroup, the current estimated additional cost for a maximum 120 day Battlegroup deployment, should the Battlegroup be deployed, is €10.7 million. This cost would cover transportation of troops and equipment, accommodation, overseas allowance and recovery of troops etc. This additional cost will only arise if the German Battlegroup were to be deployed and any deployment of the Defence Forces contingent would be subject to Government and Dáil Éireann approval and a UN Mandate in accordance with the provisions of the Defence Acts.