Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

36. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on Ireland’s participation in a German-led EU battlegroup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5205/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government recently agreed to my proposal to approve Ireland's participation in the next German-led EU Battlegroup, 2025, which will involve a two-year commitment from 1 January 2024. 

Battlegroups are a key component of the capabilities that the EU can make available in support of UN-authorised crisis management operations. Within the EU Battlegroup concept, the purpose of the Battlegroup, as a rapid response capability, includes the role of acting as an initial entry force to stabilise a situation pending the deployment of a follow-on force, to support an established peace support operation which is running into difficulties, and to respond to humanitarian crises. 

Ireland has previously participated in the Nordic Battlegroups in 2008, 2011 and 2015, the UK-led EU Battlegroup in 2016 and the German-led Battlegroups in 2012, 2016 and in 2020. Participation in this latest German-led Battlegroup underlines Ireland’s ongoing commitment to the development of EU capabilities in the area of crisis management and contributes to our overall credibility within the Union.

Ireland's full engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and in the EU Battlegroups significantly enhances our capacity to influence the development of the CSDP and of the Battlegroup concept. Participation also demonstrates Ireland's continuing commitment to the development of EU capabilities in the area of crisis management and contributes to our overall credibility within the Union.

The Defence Forces participation in EU Battlegroups also supports Ireland’s efforts in securing partners for UN operations due to the close civil and military relationships built through our participation.

Experience has shown that Ireland’s previous participation in EU Battlegroups has enhanced the Defence Forces’ ability to work with other nations in a multinational environment and has served to enhance the Defence Forces reputation as a provider of a credible military capability for CSDP peacekeeping operations under UN mandates. 

The recent Government decision to participate in an EU Battlegroup relates to the training, preparation and standby phases. It does not presume any further decision in relation to participation in an actual Battlegroup operation.  Any such decision is subject to national decision-making procedures which, in Ireland’s case, means the “triple lock” of a UN Mandate and Dáil and Government approval.