Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The broader question is EU-UK co-operation. On the question of developing the European defence industrial base, this has come as a bit of a surprise to me. I do think we are moving in that direction but it seems to be quite advanced. What role will Ireland play in that regard, if any? Are there companies lining up in this State to actively get involved? The term "dual use" was used. I would be interested to hear more about how Ireland may or may not be involved in ramping up the European defence industrial base.

Should small states not just do what they are good at? Peacekeeping has been our thing, through the United Nations and so forth. I presume the EU still has a role in relation to peacekeeping. That is extremely important, namely, the promotion of fundamental human rights and all of that. I do not think we should forget about that in the context of all this debate. It is important and it certainly was articulated at the consultative forum.

As a final question, many European Union states still look to NATO to defend them. NATO could be in trouble, depending on what happens in the United States. Is there any scope for NATO reforming itself in the event the United States disengages? Can these European members, for example, beef it up and still make it relevant for their security and defence needs if America decides to pull away altogether?