Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

It has not led to any pressure on us in respect of our participation in battlegroups. Our position is quite clear. A number of other countries which also require UN authorisation to participate, among them, Finland, and to a certain extent, Austria, have eased this requirement.

I agree with the point made by Deputy Michael D. Higgins. We found grave fault with the term "battlegroup". We would rather use the term "rapid reaction in relation to humanitarian", which is the terminology used by the UN. Irrespective of what we say or do in respect of our legislation, we raised this matter with many of our EU colleagues. As a result of certain issues relating to the military definition of the type of force which is being put together, it has become clear that "battlegroup" is the common term used throughout the EU.

Deputy Allen is mistaken in arguing that there is a contradiction. Our position is quite clear on the requirement imposed by the triple lock. The only contradiction in this debate is the position held by Deputy Allen's party and the other two putative parties in the alternative Government. These three parties should agree on a common position before they form an alliance.

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