Mr. Patrick Smyth:

The operation in Afghanistan is a mission that involves peace enforcement although Ireland was not specifically involved in that aspect. It is somewhat academic.

Dr. Devine has a point that the decision by the Dáil to support the illegal operation in Iraq was a violation of Irish neutrality. Whatever about the legal definition, the concept of Irish neutrality was violated. However, the Dáil has a right to do that. It is the voice of the people, whether one thinks it is imperfect or otherwise. That is a reality. It is also a reality that our foreign policy, like that of every state in the world, is not necessarily consistent or entirely coherent. I think our attitude to neutrality is a bit incoherent.