Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My party is committed to, and embraces fully, the important role our Defence Forces play in peacekeeping operations. Our record in peacekeeping is among the best in the world and our men and women deserve tremendous praise for this. Thanks to their dedication, professionalism and compassion, Ireland's reputation committed to peace is world renowned, and long may this continue. Our involvement in EU battle groups is in keeping with this policy. These special operations comply fully with Ireland's position in pursuing an active neutrality. This means playing a positive role in peacekeeping and assisting developing nations.

Having examined the MOU, I believe these components are at the heart of this particular battle group. In particular, I recognise the focus on being able to provide a rapid response within five days of a humanitarian disaster to deliver aid, food, medicine and supports to help people in crisis and at the point of death. We cannot opt out and be a bystander in any such situation.

Sweden, Finland, Cyprus and Austria, all of which are neutral countries, participate in EU battle groups.

This is also not a new development. Ireland participated in these operations in 2008, 2011, 2012 and in 2016. At no time has there been a deployment of our troops in any of these exercises. They fall under the Common Security and Defence Policy of the EU. The key is in the statement: Keeping citizens safe and secure. If we were to opt out of this and not participate, we would effectively be saying to other European nations, "You do it. You keep us safe."

It is also important to point out that participation in these kinds of missions is underscored in the White Paper on Defence. This explicitly states that any threat to the EU is now regarded as a threat to Ireland’s interest and welfare. We are committed to maintaining peace across Europe and participation in these battle groups is a way to ensure people are safe, peace is secure and stability is ensured.

Support for this MOU does not commit us to anything further. Some colleagues will mention an EU army and other matters. It does not advance that type of proposal.

See this speech in context