Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney at Dublin Castle this morning
This morning.
Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.
Meanwhile, via RTE News:
Simon Coveney has said Irish troops could take part in a new rapid reaction force envisaged as part of the EU’s long term security and defence needs, which have been rapidly updated in light of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
“As regards a rapid reaction force, yes, I think there’s a good chance that we’ll be involved in that,” Mr Coveney said.
The rapid reaction force idea was approved by EU defence ministers as part of the so-called Strategic Compass, the EU’s new defence strategy which has been under discussion since November 2020.
He said that if there was a crisis “we could have up to 5,000 trained personnel that have trained together, worked together, have shared equipment, and are ready to go at short notice. And if Ireland chooses to be part of that, then of course we can be.”
Mr Coveney said Ireland had already been part of the development of so-called EU battle groups, and the rapid reaction force was building upon that structure.
Irish troops could take part in new EU rapid reaction force – Coveney (RTE)