Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It was not excluded. It is a matter for Malta. We can opt out of PESCO at any time. There is no problem there whatsoever. As I have explained to the Deputy and other Deputies on numerous occasions, any expense involved falls under the Department of Defence's Vote. We will not seek to go outside the Vote in order to participate in any of the projects.