Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The timing of the decision coincided with the opening of nominations for the position. The decision does not call into question our policy on neutrality. Ireland has been a member of the European Union Military Committee since its inception in 2001. It was supported by successive Governments comprising Fianna Fáil and Independents; Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats; Fianna Fáil and the Green Party; Fine Gael and the Labour Party; and Fine Gael and Independents. All of these Governments over many years supported our commitment to being a member of the committee. It shows the standing of personnel within the Defence Forces that they are capable of being nominated for such a position as chair of the European Union Military Committee. I would be the first to respect our neutrality, but that does not mean that we should not engage at an international level. I can absolutely stand here and say the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces is an excellent candidate. He has proved himself in the Naval Service and the Defence Forces as a whole. He can stand shoulder to shoulder with colleagues, including previous Chiefs of Staff, and personnel across Europe.

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