Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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265. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the action that has resulted from the January 2015 memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12330/16]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence provides a framework for developing and furthering bilateral co-operation and relations between the Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence. The MoU takes into account matters such as military forces training; exercises and military education; exchange of views on EU Common Security and Defence Policy; potential for joint contributions to UN Crisis Management Operations; joint procurement initiatives; pooling and sharing resources; general sharing on reform in defence services; potential for staff exchanges; sharing of information, and joint contribution to Security Sector Reform and capacity building in crisis locations. It envisages cooperation and exchanges involving both civil and military personnel. The MoU provides opportunities for more joint and collaborative work in support of international peace and security. It will also enhance the potential for further joint contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. A three year Action Plan on the implementation of the MoU was finalised between the Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence in January this year. These actions will be progressed by the Defence Organisation with their UK counterparts over the three year period.