§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their present military commitment in Northern Ireland, in terms of numbers, units and roles; what changes in this commitment have taken place over the past two years; and whether they are contemplating any future changes in the commitment. [HL3102]
§ Lord BachCurrently there are 12 Infantry Battalions and one Royal Marines Commando dedicated to Northern Ireland plus appropriate support troops as well as Royal Navy and Royal Air Force support.
At 30 April 2004 12,870 military personnel (Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and RAF) were stationed in Northern Ireland under the command of the General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland compared with 13,288 at 30 April 2002. Currently the GOC NI also has under his command troops that are rear-based in Great Britain and Germany that can be called forward to the Province as and when required. In addition other troops can be made available to the GOC NI from Land Command if required, for example during the marching season.
The role of the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland is to support the police in the defeat of terrorism and in the maintenance of public order so as to assist the Government in their objective of restoring normality. The level of military support is under continuous review and troop numbers are adjusted to meet the changing security environment as and when it is deemed appropriate and after consultation with the Chief Constable. Accordingly, as my right honourable friend the Minister for the Armed Forces announced in another place on 17 June 2004, (Official Report, Commons, col. 48–49 WS) two battalions assigned to Northern Ireland duties but not routinely based in the Province can be removed from the command of GOC Northern Ireland on 16 July 2004 as they are not required for routine support to the police in Northern Ireland.