Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State's response is largely technical, whereas the issue is probably broadly political. I have no problem whatever with the individual involved, which is not at issue. There are implications for Irish neutrality in this nomination to one of the European Union's permanent political and military structures which sits snugly beside the European Defence Agency. Let us not kid ourselves as the European Union Military Committee is exactly what it says on the tin; it is a military committee. Its recent chairman indicated that for the European Union soft power and hard power went hand in hand. In an address in Estonia in February the EU global strategy was described, with a key element being the establishment of permanent planning and conduct capability for military missions and operations. They were the most pressing priorities. We are looking down the barrel in having the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, if elected to the role, take on the position and driving forward in the operational military headquarters of the European Union. That is quite simply incredible in a country with a policy of neutrality. The triple lock mechanism should have been invoked and it is in place for a reason. It is incredibly disrespectful that there has not been a debate in the House on the matter.

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