Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be well aware that there has been a proposal for some time now that the European Union should establish a joint operational headquarters to support the planning and conduct of its civil and military operations. A permanent joint civil and military operational headquarters appropriately configured could potentially deliver more effective and responsive Common Security and Defence Policy operations in support of the United Nations, international peace and security, a position Ireland has supported and does support. This issue will be considered in the context of the implementation plan for the recently published EU global strategy for foreign and security policy until such time as detailed discussions have taken place between member states. It is too early to predict what the actual structure might or might not look like.

I reiterate that everyone in Europe understands Ireland's position on neutrality and no one would welcome me or anyone else questioning it.

See this speech in context