Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. He has said before that the participation of the Defence Forces in EU battle groups increases their interoperability with forces from other EU member states. Does this whole area of interoperability form part of the discussions the Minister has had with his EU counterparts and those one would expect to have in the course of the year ahead?

Members of the Minister's party, when in opposition, had interesting views on Ireland's role in the Common Security and Defence Policy. Does the Minister believe the best way to secure the safety of our people at home and abroad, as well as fulfilling our responsibilities to our EU neighbours and friends, would be for Ireland to play an active role in common defence and security measures? Should we be designing security and defence architecture that suits our particular needs? Has the Minister any gems of wisdom to cast our way on this matter?

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