Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

-----does not support our Defence Forces and seems to be of the view that we should not engage in humanitarian interventions or peacekeeping operations with our European partners. This State and its Defence Forces have a constructive contribution to make in this regard.

These projects are not just important in these areas - I thank Deputy Calleary for his support again - but also in intercepting those who try to bring drugs ashore in this country and in dealing with those engaged in terrorist activities. It may be comforting to Deputy Boyd Barrett to take the view that we should have no security forces of any description and should leave ourselves liable to the State being used by terrorists to launch an attack on London during the London Olympics. Perhaps we should have no intelligence gathering of any description. This is not the role that I intend the State to play, nor is it the role that the Government intends to play.

The projects that I have brought to the attention of the House also offer potential for Irish-based enterprises and research institutes to participate in the development of new technologies and to create commercial opportunities to exploit these technologies in other markets. Enterprise Ireland will promote and manage any aspect of Irish research and development participation in these two EDA projects in association with the Department of Defence and within the scope of its functions and areas of competence as well as providing for our engagement at the frontiers of technological development. What has been proposed to the House also creates the potential for some additional employment in worthwhile projects in this State. I commend the motion to the House.

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