Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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73. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his vision for Ireland’s ultimate future role in European defence projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34164/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s participation in European defence policy takes place within the framework of the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), which sets the EU’s policy in the field of defence and crisis management, including defence cooperation and coordination between Member States. 

CSDP provides the EU with the capacity to undertake peacekeeping and conflict prevention missions and to strengthen international security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.  It is a fundamental part of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)

Ireland is a strong proponent of the important role the EU can play in support of international peace and security and of the UN.  We have always taken the view that it is essential to remain fully engaged in all CSDP processes and contribute fully to the development of the policy in order to positively influence its evolution.  For example, I was and my officials were fully engaged in the negotiations on the recently adopted Strategic Compass, which is seen by Ireland as a means of setting out the EU’s shared strategic vision for CSDP and with a view to enhancing the role of the EU as a security provider which contributes effectively to international peace and security. 

Within the EU, it is accepted that Defence is a national competence and any decisions, including any deepening of EU cooperation, require unanimity. Through our participation in CSDP initiatives like Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and the Coordinated Annual Review of Defence (CARD), Ireland continues to have a strong and equal voice on defence issues within the EU institutions and to meet any commitments agreed as part of our participation in such initiatives.

The 2015 White Paper on Defence states that Ireland’s participation in CSDP and the associated structures, institutions and initiatives is key, from a defence perspective, to the maintenance of Ireland’s security and defence interest. 

Ireland’s participation in future European defence projects should continue to align the capability needs of the Defence Forces with what is on offer through the European Defence Agency, PESCO and any other defence initiative available to us.