John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome this Bill for what it includes, allowing for participation in field exercises, more appropriate wording to reflect common practice and participation in certain humanitarian missions. However, I am disappointed with what it does not include, which is an amendment to reflect what I believe is the view of the Irish people, that specific nations should not unilaterally be able to hold Ireland back from helping people in dire need in another part of the world in a peace support operation, a role for which Ireland is renowned. Ireland has a duty to use that reputation to its utmost, for the benefit of people far worse off than us.

Ireland, in her troubled past, asked what the international community could do for us. To paraphrase a US President, we should also ask what we can do for the international community. What we can do is use the reputation, talents and skills that pertain almost uniquely to us to help people in distress. The triple lock mechanism as it currently operates is a hindrance to so doing.

I congratulate the Defence Forces on the tremendous role they play, on being ambassadors for this country on the international stage and on how they enhance the country's reputation. I acknowledge the presence of a former chief of staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Tadgh O'Neill, in the Visitors Gallery.