Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Security and defence matters loomed large in the Taoiseach's discussions with the Prime Ministers of Finland and Estonia following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is Putin and his actions that are dividing the world into blocks once again and, as we know, Finland and Sweden have applied to join NATO. This will leave Austria, Malta and Ireland as the only non-aligned nation states in the EU. The Russian invasion has sparked a debate at home on Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. Each neutral state has its own unique history and circumstances and Ireland should not join NATO but we should be actively involved in the evolving EU common security and defence policy and in the so called strategic compass. This is compatible with our peacekeeping tradition, our commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and our commitment to the promotion of fundamental human rights. It also highlights our solidarity with the EU and with fellow EU member states. Will the Taoiseach outline to the House the security concerns of the Prime Minister of Finland which were conveyed to him? Can the Taoiseach speculate as to why Finland sees the need to join the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization?

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