Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with my colleague, Senator Buttimer. If the committee were to accept the petition, it would somehow suggest that Ireland has an arms industry, which is not the case. I am acutely aware of the importance of ensuring that the best equipment is available to our troops on peacekeeping duties in order to keep them safe and allow them to perform those duties. Such equipment is not used in an aggressive manner but for peacekeeping purposes and self-protection. On that basis, I agree with the Chairman's proposal.