Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)

It is only fair to begin by reiterating what Sinn Féin Members have stated previously in this House regarding the proud record of peacekeeping enjoyed by the Defence Forces. As with all deployments of personnel overseas, the triple lock mechanism applies. The last deployment subject to the triple lock mechanism was for a peacekeeping mission to the Lebanon and that deployment was supported by all parties in this House. I make this point lest anyone think there are Members who are opposed to overseas deployments in all circumstances, as this clearly is not the case. However, Sinn Féin has grave concerns regarding the possible deployment of Defence Forces personnel under the battle group arrangements. Sinn Féin considers battle groups to be more about military powers in Europe wishing to push Europe in a certain direction militarily than about any sense of responsibility to peacekeeping.

The term, "battle group" must be addressed. The terminology is important and the Minister already has recognised this fact during the select committee discussion on the motion. I have no doubt that some of our so-called partners in this battle group, such as Germany, for example, and others within the wider European Union seek the formation of a European army. Angela Merkel has repeatedly stated her desire to see the establishment of a European Union-wide army. This is the reason, when I hear terminology such as "battle groups", I suspect it may be perceived by those who favour the creation of a European Union-wide army to be a first step towards this goal.

Sinn Féin's other major objection pertains to the cost associated with these battle groups. The stand-by cost of €380,000 may not appear excessive in the context of the overall defence budget. However, it comprises a significant amount at a time when the State is closing Army barracks, reducing personnel numbers and when the financial cost of serving in the Defence Forces is rising due to rising transport costs associated with barracks closures. This is not to mention the additional cost of €10.7 million that would be incurred were we ever obliged to deploy personnel. While I acknowledge Ireland would be able to recoup most of these costs from the European Union, even were it obliged to bear one fifth of the cost, that would mean finding approximately €2 million from the defence budget. Ireland simply could not afford to deploy troops, which begs the question as to the reason we are so fixated on being part of the battle groups. While Sinn Féin would oppose this motion for financial reasons alone, far more importantly we will oppose it because we consider it to threaten the neutrality the State has maintained proudly since its foundation.

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