Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his presentation. As stated in the Dáil, the Fianna Fáil Party is supporting this proposal. Questions arise about an EU army and there is rhetoric across Europe in respect of it. However, there is no legal basis for that proposition. If there ever was such a proposition, it would have to go before the people and they would not vote for it. I do not support the concept. We must divide rhetoric in European politicians from the basis of treaty law in the European Union.

As a legal construct, PESCO allows for an opt in and an opt out based on the democratic wishes of Dáil Éireann. It is important to remember this. Will the Minister of State outline for those who do not support this move what the consequences would be of not supporting it in terms of domestic practicalities or for UN mandated missions? What would the skills gap be if we did not participate in projects such as this? What would be the positive and practical consequences if we were not to support it? Perhaps the Minister of State might give some practical examples of the enhanced skills from which the Defence Forces could benefit and detail the know-how that would be developed at home in allowing those who travel abroad on missions to develop the skill sets necessary to train others within the Defence Forces.