Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will deal with the last questions first. Denmark is constitutionally debarred from participating. I assure Deputy O'Sullivan that Ireland's traditional policy on military neutrality is completely unaffected by the Treaty on European Union as amended by the Lisbon treaty. We are not and will not become, as a result of the treaty, part of any alliance or military formation. Legally binding guarantees secured by Ireland at the European Council prior to the second Lisbon treaty referendum clearly state that the Lisbon treaty does not affect or prejudice Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. Any form of common defence can only come about if all member states agree unanimously. Even if member states were to so agree, Ireland could not participate without a separate referendum to approve its participation. While issues have been raised concerning the European army, nothing in the treaties provide for the establishment of such a European army. I refer to Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh's question also.

There is no doubt that we are broadening our horizons and pushing out the boundaries, but I assure the Deputy that we remain neutral. She can be absolutely assured of that because there are many people around here who would be forced to put their hands up, as it were, if we were not keeping within the realms of our neutrality. However, when we go abroad and speak to personnel on the ground, they tell us of the importance of working with like-minded states. We are a small country and nation. If we do not keep up to date with what is out there, we will be left behind and we will not be able to participate in the likes of UNIFIL or UNDOF missions abroad.

There is a perception about sea fisheries protection. I speak to those in the Naval Service regularly. They treat everyone the very same. When they are on sea fishery patrols, they do not target those from specific countries over others. If someone is fishing illegally, they do their best to bring them to book.

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh had a number of questions. We opt out of a number of projects. It is not that we are ready to jump in to every project; we do opt out. We have opted out on many occasions, but we examine the benefits of each and every project to the Defence Forces.

It is important that we look upon every project in that manner.

Reference was made to cybersecurity which is an absolutely huge issue, not only for this state but right across the world, because there are people ready to attack. The question was asked if we are we allowing people to attack our systems and get access to our information. These are training exercises. This is not about sharing information or anything like that. It is about specific exercises with cyber attacks that are set up in a very controlled environment. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh made a reference to the European army. I have responded to the Deputy about this in parliamentary questions on many occasions.

I very much welcome Deputy Lisa Chambers' comments and her support for the projects. I believe there is great value for money here, as the Deputy has outlined. It is important to participate in chemical and biological exercises because we are in a very changing environment in a changing world. We have to be ready for that, and participating in the projects under the EDA is beneficial to the Defence Forces.