John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I join with previous speakers in welcoming Ms Ahern to the House. I will be brief because I am conscious of the time and I know others want to ask questions. The humanitarian mission in Macedonia is operating under the auspices of the EU. We found ourselves in the unique position of being a great contributor to humanitarian missions but ineligible to partake in this mission because of the triple-lock mechanism. Given that 99% of Irish people would support our participation in the mission, does Ms Ahern find that at a European level it is something of an embarrassment that we are participating in its funding but cannot participate in the mission itself?

As we are on the subject of defence, considering Ms Ahern's views on the solidarity clause and the mutual defence commitment, how does she see Europe evolving? Will we be able to maintain the status quo we achieved in the Nice treaty vis-à-vis our future defence commitments?