Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We know that in domestic politics, people are very concerned about a range of international affairs, and rightly so. That is a part of it. We encourage our people to have a global outlook, a European outlook, etc. If people see a defence force or a significant number taking a position, that could subsequently compromise our engagement in certain theatres where we may be required for peacekeeping or, indeed, humanitarian endeavours. There are legitimate issues here.

I take Deputy Howlin's point. Back to Deputy Carthy's point, no one envisages someone in a school hall being hauled over the coals because his or her children are going to the school and people have gathered to see how can we progress the extension or how can we progress greater resources for the school. No one envisages that being something that people want to outlaw. There is a balance to be struck here and of that I am certain.