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Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, T.D., secures Cabinet approval for Defence Forces continued participation in the EU Training Mission in Mali
Today, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, T.D., secured Cabinet approval for the continued deployment of members of the Permanent Defence Force to the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali).
The Cabinet authorised members of the Permanent Defence Force to remain in Mali for a further period of twelve months subject to an appropriate decision of the Council of the European Union extending the mission beyond its current mandate and subject to ongoing review by the Minister. The mission’s current mandate expires in May 2014.
Ireland has participated in EUTM Mali since 23 March 2013. A total of eight (8) Defence Forces personnel are currently serving with the mission. Six (6) of these personnel form part of a joint UK/Irish Infantry Training team while two (2) Irish personnel occupy staff appointments in the mission.
Speaking following the Cabinet decision, the Minister said: “The continued deployment of a Defence Forces training team for service with EUTM Mali reflects Ireland’s ongoing commitment to international peace and security and to maintaining the Defence Forces capabilities in international operations”. The Minister added “The Defence Forces partnering with a British Regiment on this Mission has proven successful over the last year and reflects the continued normalisation of relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom”.
ENDS
Note for Editors:
The EUTM Mali mission was established by the Council of the European Union on 17 January 2013 in support of United Nations Security Council resolutions 2071 (2012) and 2085 (2012). The mission provides military training and advice to the Malian Armed Forces in order to improve their capacity to maintain security in Mali and restore the authority of the Malian Government and the territorial integrity of the Malian State.
The mission was formally launched by the EU on 18 February 2013 and its initial mandate is to last for fifteen (15) months (i.e. until May 2014). A total of 23 Member States are contributing over 450 troops to the mission.
The joint UK/Irish Infantry Training Team comprises twenty-four (24) personnel, six (6) of which are Irish personnel. In addition, two (2) Irish personnel occupy staff appointments in the mission.