Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sorry to have to disagree. Peacekeeping has not changed - we have changed. We have a very proud record in peacekeeping and have engaged in various missions abroad that were genuine peacekeeping missions. It is still possible to participate in peacekeeping and we do not have to be involved in crisis management, which means situations of conflict. We have built up a lot of respect for our Defence Forces. They should, of course, have the necessary protection if somebody comes upon them but I am talking about the missions we go on. We go on purely peacekeeping missions and do not get involved in operations issues, which require being armed to the teeth.

That is the point I am trying to get across. We have done more for the world peace with our small groups of soldiers going abroad on peacekeeping missions than many large armies which go abroad up to their necks in equipment. Let us not lose those skills. Like me, the Deputy will have had the pleasure of seeing how our troops integrate into communities. The Chairman will have also seen it. They involve themselves in community activities. They do not go in and march up the street with a lot of equipment. They become part of the community, which is how they get the information and support they need from local people. That is where we should remain. We should not get involved with the other guys who want to have a lot of ammunition. While it is a decision for people to make up their own minds on, we can do more good in the world by being experts in genuine peacekeeping and by maintaining our reputation in that regard.