Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Members of the House for the interest they have taken in this legislation. I am in agreement with a number of Deputies that given the diverse range of missions to which our Defence Forces make a positive contribution, it is vital the Defence Forces have the best protection and best equipment available when participating in peacekeeping missions overseas. This legislation will enable further positive engagement in international peace support in humanitarian operations by facilitating access to research and information on developing and maintaining capabilities which we are unable to generate ourselves. It is long recognised internationally that our troops have made an extremely valuable contribution to the operations in which they have been deployed. The proposals in this Bill will allow us to decide on the enhancement of future capabilities available to the Defence Forces. It is important to reiterate that any decisions on involving ourselves in European Defence Agency projects, or on participating in permanent structure co-operation, will remain the sole decision of the Irish Government and the Oireachtas. The triple lock requirement in this Bill is consistent with the policy position of the Government in respect of the deployment of Defence Forces personnel on peacekeeping operations overseas. I do not intend to depart from it and I know it is a position which is understood and appreciated by the Irish people. It is reassuring that Deputies appreciate that where the European Defence Agency project will assist the enhancement of capabilities for an operation to which Ireland contributes troops, it is important to consider the benefits which Ireland can obtain from such participation. While we may not be involved in specific projects, it is nevertheless essential that we are supportive of initiatives to improve capabilities available for overseas operations.

In a climate of diminishing budgets, the House will agree there is a need for greater efficiency and effectiveness in spending. The focus of the EDA in assisting member states in obtaining better value for existing spending levels, improving competitiveness and securing greater efficiency, will be particularly beneficial. If involvement in the European Defence Agency projects will afford us an opportunity of achieving economies of scale in defence procurement, I would consider it particularly valuable from a defence expenditure perspective, especially in the current economic environment.

I reiterate my thanks to the Members of Dáil Éireann for taking this Bill at short notice. I also wish to join with the kind sentiments expressed by various speakers on all sides of the House for the Defence Forces generally and in particular for service by the Defence Forces on overseas peace support missions. Wherever they are, our troops serve with professionalism, dedication, courage and commitment. Such service contributes extensively to the high regard in which Ireland is held within the international community. In return, the safety and protection of troops must be one of our highest priorities and any means to support this should be considered positively.

See this speech in context