62 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence if decisions taken at the recent Helsinki Summit have any implications for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4498/00]

69 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces which will serve in the European-led rapid reaction force in view of the commitments at the Helsinki Summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4610/00]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 69 together.

In seeking to ensure that the EU has the capabilities required for Petersberg Tasks, the Helsinki European Council made clear that this process is not about creating a European Army. The importance of civilian crisis management, including the civilian dimensions of conflict prevention, was also recognised by the Helsinki European Council.