Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Denmark has an opt-out in respect of the common security and defence policy, CSDP. The UK will not be participating with PESCO at this time due to Brexit but may participate with PESCO projects in the future, as there are provisions for third-country participation. Portugal did not sign the notification document on 23 November but is joining following consideration via its own process. Malta has decided not to join because it does not meet the minimum standards.

Section 3(1) of the Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 provides that " Notification by the State under paragraph 1 or 3 of Article 46 of the Treaty on European Union of the State’s intention to participate in permanent structured cooperation referred to in paragraph 6 of Article 42 of that treaty shall be subject to the prior approval of the Government and the prior approval of Dáil Éireann." At present, that is the process that is currently under way. While there is no specific requirement to seek these approvals for any PESCO project, we can decide to participate in the interests of proving our capability on CSDP missions and in order that the Defence Forces can better themselves by participating in whatever projects are available.