Gerard Craughwell (Independent)

The issue of Ukraine is one of serious contention for me. We are talking about a situation - and my colleague Senator Tom Clonan made the point - where a Government majority can do anything it wants. In the case of Ukraine, a Minister, without ever coming to the Oireachtas, made a statement to the effect that in the case of Ukraine, we are not neutral. That committed this entire country, not just our Defence Forces but the entire country, to be involved in a conflict. I 100% support Ukraine, but what is the Oireachtas here for if such decisions are not brought before it? These are the dangers we are opening ourselves up to unless we have very clear parameters as to what is and is not allowed.