The Dáil approved a Government motion relating to Ireland's participation in the Nordic battle group. Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea said that representatives from his department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Defence Forces had met their Swedish counterparts on a number of occasions to discuss possible participation by the Defence Forces in the group.
The Nordic battle group memorandum of understanding was an agreement between the participants in the group, namely, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Estonia, which set out principles relating to its operation, deployment and management.
"In July last year, the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006 was enacted by the Oireachtas. The Act provided for participation by the Defence Forces in overseas training and field manoeuvres, participation by the Defence Forces in humanitarian operations and for early pre-assembly and dispatch of contingents."
He added that in November, the Government formally approved the arrangements for Ireland's participation in the group, agreeing to provide a contingent of the Defence Forces. Mr O'Dea said it was expected 80 to 100 personnel would be involved.
"This level of commitment will only arise should the battle group be called upon to undertake an operation. The number of personnel involved operationally during stand-by period, when the battle group has not been mobilised to undertake an operation, will be approximately 15," he said.
Sinn Féin spokesman Aengus Ó Snodaigh claimed the motion was a further signal of the demise of Irish neutrality.
"No one has done more to diminish the neutrality of this State than the current partnership of Fianna Fáil and the PDs. They helped the US to attack and invade Iraq in an illegal action commencing in 2003 by using Shannon airport as a military staging post."
Finian McGrath (Independent) said he disliked the term "battle groups". He added it sent out the wrong message to citizens. "Why were titles such as 'peacekeeping groups' or 'conflict resolution groups' not used?"
