Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

One of the reasons the battle group was formed was to have a cohesive network. Prior training would be required for this. Will the Minister give an indication where they might train? It is most unusual that Irish troops can go abroad to train, but foreign armies cannot train here. Does the Minister agree? Are there any intentions to hold a referendum?

Section 8 in the new Act is at the hub of the sham debate we have had about neutrality in this country. It represents an Irish solution to an Irish problem. Irish troops may be somewhere in Europe, waiting to cross the start line. They may have Dáil and Government approval, but cannot move until the Americans, Russians and Chinese solve their old problems and come forward with a UN Security Council resolution. This is farcical. Does the Minister agree that the triple lock is dated? It is time that we in the Dáil——

See this speech in context