Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This matter was raised at the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence, where I expressed deep concern about how the role of the Defence Forces would be changed by engaging in this project. I would expect that if participation in this project is to be discussed and approved by this House that it would first get a full report based on what was said in the committee. I ask that we get a report on the points raised at the committee meeting before this matter is nodded through. Moving from solely engaging in peacekeeping missions, through which we have built up a significant reputation throughout the world, to involvement in whatever is meant by military search capability building is a very serious change to the role of Irish Defence Forces. This is something about which I am deeply concerned.

See this speech in context