Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I also oppose the proposition regarding the so-called Defence (Amendment) Bill 2006. The Government seeks to have the Bill passed through all Stages by midnight tonight over a period of less than two and a half hours. It is seeking to ram through all Stages of a Bill which clearly undermines Irish neutrality and has profound implications for Irish foreign policy. The net effect of the Bill is that the basis of overseas service by the Defence Forces will be changed. We cannot do it justice within the time the Government is presenting. It is an insult to the Dáil, the Defence Forces and Ireland's role in international peacekeeping efforts. We should accommodate this legislation in proper discourse at each Stage and should carefully analyse it. Tonight will not provide that opportunity. As with the previous legislation, it is another example of the Government railroading to get its way before the recess.

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