Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputies O'Sullivan and Barrett are speaking in the same vein regarding our neutrality. Participation in the EDA projects is not a form of common defence. Let me state that it does not impact on Ireland's neutrality. If anybody looks back at my record at all European meetings, whatever the debate is, they will see that the number one thing I always ask for is that our policy on neutrality is respected.

Irrespective of the nature of the project in which we are participating, I seek legal advice to ensure we are not entering a space that raises questions about neutrality. As a former Minister for Defence, Deputy Seán Barrett will have had many opportunities to visit Irish peacekeepers stationed overseas. Given our involvement in UNIFIL, I have no doubt he visited Lebanon on numerous occasions. Older soldiers tell me that the threats they face nowadays are much more sophisticated than the threats they faced ten, 20 or 30 years ago. We must keep pace with the latest technologies and participating in these projects gives us the technical expertise to enable us to carry out peacekeeping duties with the United Nations.

I attended a UN peacekeeping conference in Canada two weeks ago. The UN demanded from all participants at the conference that they make a greater contribution to UN peacekeeping. To do so, we must be able to keep up with the best other countries and those countries with which we work alongside in UN duties. Interoperability was a new word for me when I was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for defence. I am now fully aware of the importance of achieving interoperability and being able to operate with like-minded countries, neutral or otherwise.

A number of other EU member states are also neutral. I continually highlight our policy of neutrality at meetings with my counterparts.

Deputy Barrett referred to our participation in Operation Sophia. The vast majority of the work done by the Naval Service as part of Operation Sophia involves rescuing migrants and bringing them ashore in Italy. The role is similar to the humanitarian work previously done in the region by the Naval Service.

I understand that all European Defence Agency projects must be approved by the select committee before going to the Dáil. I do not have a problem with that approach as it is only right and proper that members have an opportunity to question the Minister of the day on the reasons we are participating in such projects.