143. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which Ireland is using European Defence Agency joint procurement projects to achieve greater value-for-money in defence expenditure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53700/26]

The European Defence Agency (EDA) was established by a joint action of the Council of the European Union in 2004 (revised on 12th July 2011 by Council Decision 2011/411/CFSP), "to support the Member States and the Council in their effort to improve the Union’s defence capabilities in the field of crisis management and to sustain the European Security and Defence Policy”.

Ireland has been a participating Member State of the Agency since it was established in 2004. The Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 underpins Ireland’s participation in European Defence Agency projects. Any such participation requires the approval of the Government and of Dáil Éireann.

Ireland is currently participating in four EDA procurement projects, with the EDA as the central purchasing body.

Collaborative Procurement of CBRN Equipment

Collaborative Procurement of Soldier Equipment

Collaborative Procurement of Ammunition

EU SatCom Market

Each of these projects contributes to the enhancement of Defence Forces capabilities in support of its assigned roles, including in support of its engagement in international peacekeeping operations.

The benefits of participating in these projects include:

Access to the combined knowledge of participating Member States in the development of technical requirements

Access to an EDA-managed procurement process conducted in accordance with applicable EU rules

More competitive procurement costs than Ireland could achieve on its own due to amalgamation of orders from Members States

Access to a combined production run, allowing expedited delivery timelines

More efficient use of defence procurement resources

Value for money in government expenditure.

This mode of procurement is also expected to improve the security of supply chains and facilitate better and more efficient management of stocks.

There is no requirement to procure through these projects; the decision to order is solely a matter for each Member State.

To date, Ireland has placed orders for the supply of ammunition and CBRN equipment through contracts established under these projects.