Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister of State for his statement. I will make a couple of observations and ask a couple of questions. I note there is no mention of efforts being made to ensure that Ireland's neutrality is preserved and understood in the context of Europe's rapidly changing foreign policy. There is no clarity as to what the Minister of State means when he says that Ireland is engaging constructively in defence readiness initiatives.

I am gravely concerned about Ireland seemingly committing itself wholeheartedly to the EU's efforts to restructure its security agreements and that the Government is not scrutinising or pushing back against Ursula von der Leyen's efforts to centralise and militarise European foreign and defence policy. It seems to me that Ursula von der Leyen has gone rogue. She is completely separate from the EU now. She is coming out with statements that give unconditional support to genocidal Israel. She has shown no regard for international law. She does not appear to consult anyone. The Minister of State's Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael colleagues in the European Parliament have been highly critical of her. Does the Minister of State agree with these MEPs or does he stand by Ursula von der Leyen and her increasing support for militarising Europe?

What is the Government's approach to European initiatives on collective security and defence? Is preserving our independent foreign policy a key objective in that? The reality is that the EU is completely transforming its security policy and expanding its military-industrial capacity and defence capability. It is ramping up spending on weapons and defence. Is it the Government's priority to protect Irish independent security policy or to ensure that Ireland plays its part in strengthening the EU's security policy? These are critical issues that the Government needs to address.