Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did not interrupt either of the questioners. If we defer our decision on joining, we are outside of PESCO and cannot influence its development. We have secured language in the final document, which I have highlighted, that we were able to influence within the closing days of the document being finalised. The notification restates the EU's commitment to multilateralism within the UN at its core.

There is no issue arising from this document of Ireland questioning its neutrality. I have received legal advice on it. It is provided for within the Lisbon treaty. I will read the provision again: "Participating Member States will meet their binding commitments, confirming that the establishment and implementation of Permanent Structured Cooperation will be undertaken in full compliance with the provisions of the TEU [Treaty of the European Union] and the protocols attached thereto and respecting constitutional provisions of the member States". That is a provision that we got stitched into the document before it was finalised. It is one of the reasons that I feel comfortable with participating in PESCO. A Deputy spoke about complementing NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. That is absolutely, totally untrue.

A member said that our peacekeepers have been a shining light on Ireland. I fully agree. I am delighted that Deputy Ryan had the opportunity to go to Chad, to see at first hand the contribution that a small country like Ireland can make to the world's most troubled spots. He spoke about interoperability. Part and parcel of joining up to PESCO is interoperability, which means working with like-minded states and being able to relate to them, instead of just landing on the ground, participating in a mission, and not having the experience of working with like-minded states. It is so important that we participate in this and work with like-minded states, and that there are projects that will improve our capability as peacekeepers. As was said, Ireland is one of the largest contributors within the EU member states under CSDP, Common Security and Defence Policy, missions.