Soldiers to be readied to join EU battle groups

09/02/2006 - 17:29:51
Defence Minister Willie O’Dea tonight signalled Ireland’s future participation in EU battle groups.

The units are composed of 1,500 combat soldiers and are designed to be ready for deployment in war-torn countries within 15 days.

Defence Minister Willie O’Dea said his decision to open discussions with potential EU partners on taking part in the battle groups would not affect Irish neutrality.

“Our participation is fully in accordance with our traditional support for the UN. Deployment of our troops in individual peace support operations will be decided by our own national decision-making process, on a case-by-case basis,” he said.

In a speech at McKee barracks in Dublin, Mr O’Dea said that any EU battle group mission involving Irish troops would have to be approved by the "triple lock" of the UN, the Government and the Dáil.

“Despite the clear and concise endorsement of the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, there will be those who seek to confuse or blur the issue for narrow political purposes.

These units very clearly do not constitute a European Army in any shape or form,” he said.

The battle groups are part of a drive to shake up the EU’s military capabilities, after it was severely embarrassed by its inability to prevent atrocities in Rwanda and Bosnia in the 1990s. It wants to be able to respond quickly to conflicts before they escalate.

The battle groups will be complimented by a proposed Rapid Reaction force, which will have up to 60,000 soldiers available and deployable for far longer periods.

Mr O’Dea said 22 of the 25 member States have made a commitment to joining the EU Battle groups.

“Battle groups could also provide a bridging or reinforcement operation pending the deployment of a larger more long-term UN blue hat operation. I am satisfied that the development of EU battle group concept provides another dimension and vehicle, within which Ireland can contribute further to the United Nations and its international peace support operations,” he said.

Mr O’Dea is also planning to introduce legislation to allow the Defence Forces to take part in training overseas, as well as in humanitarian operations in response to natural disasters such as the Asian tsunami.

“Currently personnel must volunteer for service with a civil undertaking, in the same manner as any ordinary citizens and cannot be deployed at the behest of the Government,” said Mr O’Dea.

Fine Gael Defence spokesman Billy Timmons TD said he supported the move to begin negotiations on joining the EU battle groups.

“The vast majority of EU Member States are already in an advanced state of planning on this matter, and our Government should no longer drag its heels on this important issue.”

But he said he regretted the failure of Mr O’Dea to amend the ’triple lock’ mechanism.

“From the point of view of Ireland’s participation in an EU battle group, the ’triple lock’ will continue to act as a barrier to Ireland acting quickly in a peacekeeping capacity. The requirement to be available to deploy at short notice is a key aspect of the battle group concept.”