Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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The four MEPs were not just testing the water to see what sort of reaction there would be because it was completely undermining our neutrality. I am alarmed by the fact that they made their comments in an open debate in the European Parliament. It is the Minister of State's party that is in government here. Therefore, there is no doubt about what occurred. Ireland has a very proud tradition of being involved in UN-mandated peacekeeping missions. That is what we should continue doing rather than getting diverted into other areas. Regardless of the assurances the Minister of State is giving, there is concern that we are moving away from our neutrality. I am very definitely of the view that we must be assured that our neutrality is sacred, as is fitting for an independent, sovereign state, and that we should not be brought further into the growing security agenda of the European Union. We should return to saving lives in the Mediterranean as opposed to being part of an agenda bringing people from the Mediterranean into the Libyan detention camps.