Approval expected for Irish peacekeeping role
The Cabinet is today expected to rubber-stamp legislation to enable Irish soldiers to join EU battle groups by the Autumn.
The Defence Amendment Bill (2006) will pave the way for troops to train abroad before taking part in rapid reaction forces intervening in conflict zones.
For the first time, defence forces personnel will also be allowed to be officially deployed to humanitarian disasters like the 2004 Asian tsunami.
With Cabinet approval, the Bill is expected to pass through all stages of the Oireachtas and become law before the summer recess next month.
Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea insisted Irish troops would only be deployed to UN-mandated operations, and with prior Government approval.
“Personnel will be drilled and primed to be sent to urgent conflict situations within three or four days' notice,” he said.
Mr O’Dea is on a two-day visit to Kosovo to view Irish peacekeeping operations and hold talks with senior military officers.
He rejected suggestions that taking part in battle groups would compromise Ireland’s traditional neutrality or increase the risk of a terrorist attack on the state.
A total of 22 of the 25 EU member states have already signed up to join the multinational reaction forces.
If the Defence Amendment Bill is enacted, Ireland is likely to take part the Nordic battle group led by Sweden and also comprising Finland and Estonia.
Although Irish troops may be sent abroad to be drilled in battlefield techniques, the Constitution prohibits foreign soldiers from training in Ireland.
