Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Any expenditure on defence is a matter for the Government, as the Deputy knows. The Deputy has now seen two budgets going through this House. He has an opportunity to vote on all the budget outcomes. It is up to each Member of this House to do so. It is a matter for the Government to bring forward a budget. If the Government wants to spend a certain amount, be it on agriculture, enterprise, arts and heritage, defence, justice or education, it is a matter for it. As with all budgets, all proposals are passed by the House.

I was unable to attend the Council meetings of yesterday and today because of parliamentary questions. It is quite difficult to change the schedule for parliamentary questions. My Secretary General, Mr. Maurice Quinn, and the assistant secretary with responsibility in this area had a joint meeting with representatives of the Department of Foreign affairs and Trade. The Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Coveney, attended with his officials. I will be getting a full briefing on the outcome of the meetings yesterday and today upon their return.

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