Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister's response. I agree that in the previous referendum campaign it was a matter of major concern for mothers especially, that if they supported the Lisbon treaty their sons or daughters could be conscripted into a European army. That argument was used extensively by the "No" campaigners and it did register with people. I hope the Minister's clarification will resonate with all those people who had concerns about that matter and which was one of the reasons they voted against the treaty.

Does the Minister think there is a need for a protocol to be inserted in the next agreement to clarify the matter and outline clearly that if the Lisbon treaty is passed, in no way will it or could it lead to a European army to which Irish citizens could be conscripted?

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