Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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494. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will clarify the Government’s position on the European military headquarters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38722/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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As I previously advised the House on 27th September 2016, there have been proposals around for some time, that the EU should establish a joint operational headquarters to support the planning and conduct of its civil and military operations. A permanent joint civil-military operational headquarters, appropriately configured, could potentially deliver more effective and responsive CSDP operations in support of the UN and international peace and security, a position which Ireland supports.

However, this is a matter which EU Member States, including Ireland, will consider in the context of the Council Conclusions of 14 November on implementing the EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy. Ireland will participate fully in that process and in the ongoing development of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy in support of the UN and international peacekeeping and crisis management.