Written answer
Defence Forces
73. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of volunteers secured to participate in an EU Battlegroup. [28129/24]
Comment on this
103. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will withdraw members of the Defence Forces from participation in a German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28215/24]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 103 together.
Military management has advised that 75% of the volunteers are secured with 139 EU Battlegroup appointments made to date out of the 186 personnel committed. The expectation is that the remaining posts will be fully filled in the coming months, in advance of the first EU Battlegroup 2025 training exercise in Germany in the autumn.
The 186 personnel will be comprised of a Group HQ consisting of 4 personnel, Mechanised Infantry Company (with a Company HQ, Infantry platoons and a weapons platoon consisting of 139 personnel) together with a National Support Element (consisting of 29 persons providing the necessary transport, medical, CIS, maintenance and ordnance support) and staff posts of 10 personnel to the Force Headquarters.
This figure of 186 personnel includes an additional 4 personnel posts in a National Logistics Support Group to be based in Germany to aid the transport and storage of DF equipment.
The Operational Headquarters (OHQ) is located in Ulm, Germany, while the Force Headquarters (FHQ) is based in Strasbourg, France.
Ireland’s active engagement in EU Battlegroups demonstrates our commitment to the development of EU capabilities in the area of crisis management and demonstrates our commitment to the EU's Common Security & Defence Policy.
It enhances our capacity to influence the ongoing development and evolution of the rapid response capacity of the EU, in particular, the role Battlegroups can play in reinforcing and acting as a strategic reserve for UN operations.
Furthermore, the Defence Forces participation in Battlegroups supports Ireland’s efforts in securing partners for peacekeeping operations due to the close civil and military relationships built through our participation, as well as in relation to demonstrating the interoperability of our Defence Forces.
Participation in a Battlegroup has no effect on our traditional policy of military neutrality and our commitment to a Battlegroup does not involve any commitment to common or mutual defence. There is no intention to withdraw members of the Defence Forces from participation in the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025.