Defence Forces

Wednesday, 26 June 2024

Questions (11)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

11. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 11 June 2024, if he can clarify that the reply he gave was in relation to the year 2024, as this was the year the question was referring to; to confirm that in addition to the five nations mentioned, that personnel from the United States were also present and whether they had “participant” or “observer” status; the rank and role of the officers in attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27555/24]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I can confirm that the original reply to the previous question was in relation to the year 2024 and in that regard, the Irish element of the Combined Joint Exercise (CJEX) 2024 was conducted in the University of Galway from the 13th to 22nd May 2024.

The Military Authorities have confirmed that two American officers were involved. They were attending as students from the Belgian and Dutch Command and Staff Courses and are included in the previous figures for international personnel attending the CJEX in Ireland. Both officers were of the rank of Major which is Commandant equivalent in Irish Army Ranks.