Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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72. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continue to benefit from training and technology available to other forces in the EU, having particular regard to the need to ensure common security norms throughout the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28039/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government as set out in the White Paper on Defence.

Enhancing the capability and capacity of the Defence Forces to successfully undertake modern complex UN mandated missions, including Common Security & Defence Policy (CSDP) operations, and on supporting interoperability in this regard is a priority for Ireland. As you are aware, the primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.

The Defence Forces implement a policy of standardisation that is line with EU training and engage with EU educational institutions in order to keep up to date with best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods. Training in this environment has been very beneficial in equipping our Defence Forces personnel with the skills to operate alongside our European partners.

Continuing to gain excess to the latest and best training and equipment, will further enhance Defence Forces capabilities for operations and above all to ensure the security and safety of Defence Forces' when deployed on some of the most challenging UN mandated peace-keeping, peace enforcement and EU Training missions abroad.

I am committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.