Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.

To be clear, the Defence Forces have not undertaken any training of personnel or engaged in any other activities in Ukraine. Not alone is there is no question of Irish Defence Forces’ personnel being sent to Ukraine as part of this mission, but no other EU Member State intends to send personnel to Ukraine. All of the training is being provided on the territory of the European Union, primarily in Poland and Germany, but potentially in any Member State.

As part of the European Union’s response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the Council of the EU launched a European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).

Formally established on 17 October 2022, the aim of this mission is to enhance the military capability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) to defend Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders, as well as to protect the civilian population.

The Mission provides training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) at basic, advanced and specialised levels in a range of areas.

On 21 February 2023, the Government approved the participation of Defence Forces personnel in EUMAM Ukraine in such areas as:

• C-IED training (Counter Improvised Explosive Devices)
• EOD training (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
• Combat Medical Training
• Engineering Training
• On 25 July last, the Government approved the Defence Forces' enhanced engagement in the mission and agreed an extended list of training modules for delivery by the DF which includes:
• Basic Military Training
• Mine Flail Training (training on machinery which is used to clear mines)
• Leadership Training and
• Drill Instructor Training.

Basic military training includes training in the basic handling and use of weapons. It is aimed at new recruits to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. As Ireland’s position of military neutrality is characterised by non-membership of military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements, the provision of basic military training, including in the basic handling and safety of weapons, does not compromise that position.

The number of DF personnel that may be deployed to the training mission at any given time is limited to 30, in line with the Government approval for participation in EUMAM Ukraine. This number includes the trainers that will be delivering training directly to UAF personnel, as well as the Defence Forces’ personnel deployed in the mission’s Operational Headquarters in Brussels and the multi-national Special Training Command (STC) in Strausberg, Germany.

To date, EUMAM has trained over 34,000 UAF personnel in 603 training modules and will likely hit the 38,000 mark by year end, training 2500 UAF personnel monthly.

Defence Forces personnel have delivered training to approximately 237 UAF personnel across six training module iterations in De-mining and Clearance, Combat Medical and Drill Instructor training. Cyprus and Germany have acted as host nations for the delivery of these training modules.

The Defence Forces have a draft programme of training to be provided up to March 2024 which is subject to regular updating.