Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am open to correction but I think the Deputy's party has advocated a "No" vote in every referendum held relating to the European Union. His party conveniently put forward candidates for the European Parliament while opposing the very existence of the European Union repetitively whenever given the opportunity to do so. Sinn Féin is quite happy to look in two different directions simultaneously.

Regarding battle groups, as would be evident from the Deputy, some of the European Union states that participate in battle groups are neutral. Other neutral states find no difficulty in participating and contributing to Common Security and Defence Policy, and to engaging. The Government does not have any intention of changing policy in that regard.

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