John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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82. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current status regarding Irish troops stationed in Mali; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34175/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In March 2022, the Government approved the continued deployment of up to twenty (20) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with EUTM Mali up to March 2023.  Defence Forces personnel are primarily deployed at Koulikoro and Bamako, but deploy as part of Combined Mobile Advisory Training Teams within Mali. 

EUTM Mali is an integral part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to the situation in Mali and Africa’s Sahel region. Ireland has participated in this training mission since its launch in 2013. 

In April 2022, EU Foreign Ministers approved the reversible, temporary suspension of the training activities of EUTM Mali to the Malian Armed Forces and Malian National Guard. This followed allegations of violations of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law by armed terrorist groups and Malian Armed Forces accompanied by Russian affiliated forces. As a consequence of this development, a number of troop contributing countries are planning to reduce troop strength in EUTM Mali or withdraw from the mission. Irish Defence Force participation in the EUTM Mali mission is currently under review, both in relation to the strength of our deployment and the safety and security of Irish personnel.

With regard to MINUSMA, Government and Dáil approval was received in June 2019 for the deployment of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Forces to participate in this mission for a two year period. Defence Forces personnel first deployed to MINUSMA in September 2019 as part of a joint deployment with German Armed Forces. The Government subsequently agreed to extend that deployment by one more year through to the end of September 2022.

Irish personnel continue to be deployed with the German Armed Forces at Camp Castor in Gao and at MINUSMA HQ in Bamako, where they carry out assigned tasks in accordance with the mission mandate. The Army Ranger Wing team carry out surveillance and intelligence gathering operations as part of their remit.  Irish personnel in Gao are embedded with the larger German Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Company and benefit from the security and force protection effort that is in place to protect the full Company.  Defence Forces participation in this mission will conclude in September 2022. 

As with all overseas operations, the security situation in Mali is monitored by the Defence Forces on an ongoing basis.

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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83. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on his latest engagement with a group (details supplied). [34159/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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 I am fully committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces has the right to undertake their duties in a safe environment underpinned by dignity and equality. 

As the Deputy is aware, there was extensive engagement with the Women of Honour Group and other stakeholders, on the establishment of an Independent Review to examine issues relating to unacceptable behaviour in the Defence Forces.   Without question, the engagements raised very serious concerns and I wish to pay tribute to all parties, including Women of Honour, for the courage they displayed in sharing their experiences. 

The last meeting with the Women of Honour Group, took place earlier this year on 25 January where I provided an update on the Government decision to proceed with the Independent Review, and on the agreed Terms of Reference. This was the seventh meeting at senior official level held with the Women of Honour Group, three of which I personally attended.

The experiences shared and the views recieved from all parties informed the Terms of Reference for the Judge-led Independent Review, which was approved by Governmnent on 25th January last. 

The work of the Independent Review Group is well underway. I had a very fruitful meeting with the members, namely, Ms. Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon, Ms. Jane Williams and Mr. Mark Connaughton, on 25 April last and plan to meet them again in the coming weeks. 

I would continue to strongly encourage all stakeholders, including the Women of Honour Group and serving members, who have yet to do so, to engage with the Independent Review Group, as their contribution will be critically important in taking this work forward. The Independent Review Group is continuing to accept submissions from individuals and organisations on issues relevant to its Terms of Reference.

The Government recognises the need to allow the Independent Review Group to do its work as a critical and necessary step. These assurances have been relayed to the Women of Honour Group.