Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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16. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the role Defence Forces' personnel will play in the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine. [14168/23]

Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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17. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the direct and indirect cost to the Exchequer to date of Irish Defence Forces' participation in the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine); and the budget allocated to meet the costs arising from Irish Defence Forces' participation in the mission in 2023. [13885/23]

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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42. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will detail the role Ireland will play in the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12644/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 17 and 42 together.

On 21st February, the Government approved the participation of up to 30 Defence Forces’ personnel in the newly established European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).

The primary role of the Defence Forces will be to provide training to members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) in one or more EU Member States in which the training will take place. These trainers will be supplemented by a small number of staff positions based in the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) staff based in Brussels, Belgium and in the multi-national Special Training Command (STC) in Strausberg, Germany.

In respect of training, Ireland’s Defence Forces have significant expertise in a number of areas where we believe we can bring some added-value to the mission, including in areas such as C-IED training (Counter Improvised Explosive Devices), EOD training (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Medical Combat and Engineering.

It will be necessary now to match the Defence Forces capacity and capabilities with the identified training needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF). This exercise is currently underway but, until such time as it has been completed, it is difficult to anticipate exactly when and in what areas the DF will commence the delivery of such training. However, it is anticipated that the delivery of modular training will commence relatively soon with small training teams being deployed for short periods, not normally for more than few weeks at a time.

Based on current available figures, the likely contribution from the Defence Vote to common costs for the EUMAM Ukraine over the next twenty four months are estimated at €2.45m. These are costs paid by Ireland separate to its participation in the mission.

A further cost of €1.4m is currently anticipated in relation to Ireland's share of EUMAM related assistance measures, with Ireland's contribution routed to non-lethal assistance.

In addition, travel and subsistence payments, in line with public service rules, will be paid to personnel deployed as part of the modular training teams. Personnel appointed to longer-term staff support roles will benefit from Financial Support Packages provided to members of the Defence Forces when posted to certain overseas appointments, which are standardised with those that apply across the rest of the public service.