Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I will begin by disagreeing with Deputy Griffin. I do not believe we have any traditions of militarisation in this country, certainly in an overseas capacity and I do not believe that we want any. I think the Irish people's compassion, commitment and support for Ukraine and the people of Ukraine following the illegal and horrendous invasion by the Russian state is very clear. That is felt in every town, village and city in this country where we have extended our welcome. I also fully support the commitment to non-lethal aid to Ukraine but no more than that. There is a space for the Irish State and people in diplomacy and our role in the world as peacekeepers but we need to protect that. That is very important.

I believe there is a fear that there is increasing militarisation in Ireland. I have received correspondence about an arms fair that the Minister will speak at later. Will he take some of the time he has to respond to me to explain what the purpose of that is? Are the fears of people who have contacted my office to say that he should not be involved in that event legitimate?

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