Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In respect of the crucial and important job that needs to be done in Mali and many other zones around the world, the question is whether it is appropriate for Irish soldiers to be in Mali and whether that contribution is valued and adds to the experience of the Irish army. Has consideration been given to the fact that Irish forces are there because the French, who were involved in many imperialist ventures in Africa over the centuries, requested that other armies go into Africa to pick up the pieces in areas where imperialist forces have been in the past? If there is an increase in the number of Irish soldiers is requested, I ask that at the very least there would be a major debate in the House, particularly given that it would be greater than what would have been allowed.

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