Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 12 February 2019

Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence

European Defence Agency Project: Motion

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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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.