Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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696. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of money spent annually in Ireland’s participation in the Partnership for Peace, European Defence Agency programmes, EU Common Defence Policy and EU battle groups from 2014 to 2016 in tabular form. [16642/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's contribution to the European Defence Agency (EDA), EU Common Defence Policy and EU Battlegroups from 2014 to 2016 are set out in the in the table below. The financial commitment to the operational budget of the European Defence Agency is in accordance with EDA funding principles, based on Gross National Income (GNI) key. The EDA Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Protection project allowed the Defence Forces access to the results of research, studies and development work packages undertaken by the programme. CBRN is a key capability for the Defence Forces, participation in this project enables the Defence Forces to remain at the leading edge of capability developmentin this key area. The project commenced in 2012 and finished in 2015.

The EDA Counter Improvised Explosives Devices Manual Neutralisation Techniques project was set up to address Counter Improvised Explosives Devices Manual Neutralisation Techniques (C-IED MNT) training, which has been identified as a crucial skill/capability to be developed. Manual Neutralisation Techniques is a method used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) Operators who, on occasions, cannot use remote or semi remote techniques to render an IED safe and these complex explosive devices have to be neutralised manually. For example, MNT is used where there is an immediate threat to the life of a hostage who has an IED attached to them. The project began in 2014 and will run for four (4) years.

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.

To date Ireland has participated in the Nordic Battlegroup in 2008, 2011 and 2015, the Austro-German Battlegroup in 2012 and both the German led and UK led Battlegroups in 2016. The total costs directly associated with Irish participation in EU Battlegroups between 2014 and 2015 amounted to just under €3.85 million. This figure includes direct payroll costs which would have been incurred in the normal course. The remaining costs relate to subsistence, allowances, transport, flights and other such costs incurred during the preparation and stand-by period for the Battlegroup.

In 2015 this included the transportation of troops and equipment to Sweden to participate in joint field training exercises with the other elements of the Nordic Battlegroup namely, Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway and Estonia. Irish participation in this exercise comprised of approximately 175 personnel making up a Reconnaissance Company. The costs associated with Ireland’s participation in the 2016 German and UK led Battlegroups are currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy separately once available.

In relation to Ireland’s participation in the Partnership for Peace, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade meets the running costs of the office in Brussels which is staffed by the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.