Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 12 February 2019
Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence
European Defence Agency Project: Motion
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Deputy McLoughlin reiterated the points I made to other Deputies about giving members of the Defence Forces enhanced capability, whether at home or abroad.
The Deputy referred to the Defence Forces' domestic role. If we invite foreign dignitaries or Heads of State, such as British royalty, the Pope or the President or Vice President of the United States, they should come here aware that they are in a safe environment. If members of the Defence Forces are, for example, sweeping Knock Airport or the Phoenix Park, they should have the relevant skills and capability to be able to do so. When peacekeeping overseas, too, they should have the training and expertise to be able to carry out their work.