Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Given the constitutional prohibition in Article 15.6.2o on Ireland agreeing to base foreign troops on its territory, there are no circumstances in which the SOFA could have an application in respect of foreign forces in Ireland, including forces in transit or visiting personnel. The reservations which will attach to our instrument of ratification makes this absolutely explicit and leaves no room for ambiguity. It states that Ireland shall not be a receiving state for the purposes of the present agreement.

Our Defence Forces should be protected in the same manner as the other military personnel with whom they operate on missions and exercises when deployed outside the State. Ratifying the SOFA provides these protections. I thank the Members for their contributions and will consider what has been said in advance of further discussions at the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence. I respect everyone's views and take on board the concerns expressed. However, I emphasise that this SOFA does not threaten our military neutrality in any way. I propose that the motion be referred to the select committee for its consideration.

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