Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ireland has been part of the Common Security and Defence Policy for well over 20 years. We always opted in; we did not opt out. Denmark recently had a referendum to opt in, having stayed out for over two decades. We have been a partner for peace with NATO since 1999 and have been involved in a number of projects in that context. That is an individually tailored programme where given states that are not members of NATO may seek expertise and support in some areas. We have been members of the permanent structured co-operation, PESCO, as well. That is the context.

The Deputy asked about the commission's report and the future, particularly in the European context. There are limits to European military capability, relative to the superpowers, that will not disappear anytime soon. We are looking at increased global polarisation, unfortunately. The Russian invasion of Ukraine represents a strike at the heart of the international rules-based order. Of that there is no doubt. It was a shocking violation of the integrity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and it really strikes at the heart of the international rules-based order, which is Ireland's touchstone in respect of our foreign policy and security policy.

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