Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

While the Minister is a very able person, instead of answering questions he makes speeches. It is very hard to figure out what answer he has given to the question. Will the Minister give details of the new legislation that is required to allow Irish troops participate in the new EU battle groups? Will this legislation be published and when does the Minister hope to have it enacted? Will he give further details of the partnership arrangements being sought with Sweden? Traditional Swedish neutrality, while similar to our own, has differed from the Irish interpretation of neutrality. Does this represent an evolution of our own neutrality in the direction of the Swedish model?

The maintenance of the triple lock is the Labour Party's greatest concern. I know the Minister has been at pains to stress it will not be affected. However, given the length of time it takes to achieve a UN mandate, a Government decision and Dáil backing, is it possible that international pressure will be exerted on Irish troops to enter into a battle group before each of these has been achieved?

The extent to which Irish neutrality has been compromised remains to be seen. It is clear that Irish neutrality has entered a new phase.

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