Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

I am reflecting on the spirt in which the legislation is being brought forward, as well as the debate we had on Committee Stage.

The important principle of peacekeeping and having a set of absolute conditions for the protection of Irish personnel are issues which affect me. I do not want to put into text something which would have the consequence of impairing the capacity to respond quickly or be part of a peacekeeping force, or in exceptional circumstances endangering serving Irish personnel. I made the point on it and the Minister's assurances given on Committee Stage and Report Stage are very strong, and in those circumstances I withdraw this amendment.

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