Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is right to say that this does not put our neutrality in question. I agree ours is a changing society and the world is changing and we have to be ready for whatever eventuality happens. We have to have the best equipped army to be able to react to whatever is the situation. This is only a proposal from the Commission. It is to be agreed by the Council. I do not want, and it would be wrong of me, to make any commitment until I see the decision of the Council which then has to go through the European Parliament. I assure the Deputy that I take all her views and sentiments on board. I will be singing off the same hymn sheet as the Deputy.

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