Written answers

Wednesday, 17 May 2017

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Operations

Photo of John Paul PhelanJohn Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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57. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has given consideration to Defence Forces participation in EU efforts to counteract illegal person trafficking and to disrupt the business model of criminal elements involved in such activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23093/17]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The EU Common Security and Defence Policy naval operation EUNAVFOR MED (Operation Sophia), against human smugglers and traffickers, is one element of a comprehensive approach to addressing the migration crisis in the South Central Mediterranean. The mission is also providing capacity building and training to the Libyan Coastguard and Navy and contributing to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution No. 2292 (UNSCR 2292). UNSCR 2292 imposes an arms embargo on Libya in an effort to prevent the flow of illicit arms and related materiel into that country.

  The Council Decision to launch the mission was adopted at the formal Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 22 June 2015.

Operation Sophia is being implemented in sequential phases. The first phase, to support the detection and monitoring of migration networks through information gathering and patrolling in accordance with international law, is complete. The second phase involving the targeting, seizure and diversion of the vessels of human smugglers and traffickers remains ongoing. The third phase, will involve taking all necessary measures against vessels including disposal or rendering them inoperable. No political discussions have yet taken place at EU level on the commencement of the third phase. The requirement for a UN Security Council Resolution or consent of coastal State also applies to the third phase, neither of which is in place.

While Ireland is fully supportive of the EU approach to the migration crisis, we have not, to date, participated in this EU military mission.

The question of any future deployment to the EU mission and the nature of any such deployment will be examined in the context of the outcome of a Strategic Review of Operation Sophia, which is currently underway, the nature and mandate of the EU mission following review, the ongoing situation in the Mediterranean and the overall EU response thereto. Other factors to be taken into consideration include the demands on the Defence Forces, our overseas commitments and available resources. The Strategic Review of Operation Sophia is expected to be completed by mid year.

Any plans to deploy 12 or more naval service personnel and/or a naval vessel to participate as part of EUNAVFOR MED, Operation Sophia would be subject to Government and Dáil approval.

As the deputy will be aware, Ireland has undertaken a humanitarian search and rescue mission in the Mediterranean in 2015 and 2016 called Operation Pontus. This humanitarian mission has resulted in the rescue of over 15,600 migrants to date.

On 11 April 2017, the Government approved the return of a Naval vessel to the Mediterranean to continue to undertake humanitarian search and rescue tasks.  The Government decision provided that the deployment is subject to finalisation of a bilateral arrangement with the Italian authorities in relation to the operation of the mission and the landing of persons rescued. A date for deployment of the Naval vessel will be determined when the diplomatic arrangements have been completed.

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