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

I am answering the Deputy's question. I do not believe Russia should have a veto on whether Irish Defence Forces become engaged in international peacekeeping anymore. That is the bottom line as far as I am concerned. We are depending on a rogue state on the Security Council that can veto any peacekeeping proposal from the United Nations. I am unequivocal about it. It is not about ditching neutrality; it is the idea that Russia can veto Irish troops being involved in any peacekeeping initiative. We need to wake up a small bit and accept that is the reality.

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