Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

There is nothing whatsoever in the Lisbon treaty which facilitates, enables or compels the establishment of a European army and since the Lisbon treaty does not provide for any European army, there is nothing to be conscripted into. That is the reality of it.

Regarding Deputy Deenihan's question on the need for a protocol, we have tried to make the issue as clear as possible and we will do so again. The Government is currently discussing the possibility of a protocol, which would make it even more clear. Discussions are ongoing on that matter. We will have more discussions on it this week. I agree that many people were badly and sadly misled by that allegation, which has no basis in fact whatsoever.

See this speech in context