Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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44. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he or other Ministers have sought or looked for legal advice in relation to Ireland's participation in EU battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5134/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Prior to Ireland's first participation in an EU Battlegroup, the legal, operational and other issues surrounding participation in battlegroups were considered by an interdepartmental working group established by the then Minister for Defence.

This interdepartmental group included representatives of the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. 

A report produced by this working group was considered by the Cabinet Committee on European Affairs and, informally, by the Government at the time. Following this report, the Minister for Defence decided to introduce legislation to amend the Defence Acts which was ultimately reflected in the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006.

In the intervening years, the Department of Defence has taken legal advice as necessary in relation to such issues as Memoranda of Understanding, Framework Arrangements and other aspects relating to Ireland's participation in EU Battlegroups.