Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Fine Gael welcomes this Bill which gives an additional guarantee besides the triple lock to the Irish people. As expressed in the Lisbon debate, Ireland will not enter any arrangements without the approval of the Government and the Dáil. The European Defence Agency is very important. This Bill ensures our involvement in the EDA will guarantee compatible equipment and training for the Defence Forces. It also provides the opportunity for interoperability, flexibility and the deployment of forces. I refer to Ireland's participation in the EUFOR mission to Chad where similar equipment was made available to the Irish forces. Training in the use of common equipment as between European armed forces is very important.

I was not present in the Chamber for the Committee Stage of the Bill. This is a bicameral parliamentary system and it is important that Seanad approval be sought for measures such as this Bill. Does the reference to "approval of Dáil Éireann" include the Seanad as well as Dáil Éireann? I note that the reference to the prior approval of Dáil Éireann does not mention the Oireachtas or the Seanad.

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