Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State. I will comment briefly before Deputy Ó Snodaigh contributes. I share the views expressed by Deputies Maureen O'Sullivan and Seán Barrett on neutrality and the respect that our policy has garnered for Ireland throughout the world over the decades. The views expressed by the Deputies are often aired at meetings of the joint committee. The particular provision in the 2009 Act is very good and must be adhered to strictly. I am pleased to note the Minister of State's comment that he outlines our position on neutrality at every meeting of European Union defence Ministers. As he will be aware, a parliamentary meeting is held on the Common Security and Defence Policy under each Presidency. At the small number of such meetings I have attended, I have spoken out strongly about our adherence to neutrality, pointing out that we will not deviate from it.

The point made by Deputy Barrett is that we all share a concern at the back of our minds that things may be happening that run counter to the thrust of our policy on neutrality, which is firmly adhered to and supported by the overwhelming majority of the population. In that context, we are proposing, as part of our work programme for 2018, that the Minister of State appear before the committee at least three times each year to update members on developments in the European Union. We have an arrangement under which the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade reports to the joint committee on Council meetings. These meetings with the Minister do not take place as often as they should for reasons of scheduling, either on the part of the committee or Minister. The joint committee cannot meet when it wishes as only certain time slots are available. In addition, we have a substantial work programme.

Apart from appearing before the select committee to present Estimates or legislation, we propose that the Minister of State attend formal meetings of the committee at least three times per annum to update members on developments in the Council of defence Ministers, including proposals, follow-up and so forth. We will make this proposal in our work programme for 2018 to ensure members are kept abreast of what is happening and, I hope, to allay any fears that may arise among members of the public and Members of the Oireachtas. I am sure the programme will be agreed by the committee.