154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the discussions that have taken place with his EU or UN colleagues with regard to the future formation of EU lead battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13768/08]

With regard to Ireland's participation in future Battlegroups we are committed in principle to participation in the Nordic Battle Group (NBG) in 2011. Other contributors to the (NBG) are Estonia, Finland, Norway and Sweden acting as framework nation. Potential participation from other EU member states in the battle group has at this moment not been announced but the possibility of additional force contribution cannot be excluded. This Battlegroup will be on stand-by the first six (6) months of 2011. As yet, the contribution that Ireland will be making to this Battlegroup has not been finalized.

Preliminary discussions have also taken place between staff in the Department of Defence and representatives from EU Member States regarding Ireland's possible participation in the proposed Austrian/German Battlegroup that will be on stand-by in the second six (6) months of 2012.