Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

There is great wisdom in the point made by Senator Alex White. The current arrangement is specific and unambiguous. The State cannot join a common European defence. The only way this can be changed is by the will of the people as expressed in a referendum. To insert an additional phrase, which could be overegging it, could raise legal questions. There will always be legal arguments as to how many angels dance on the head of a pin. There is no point in or purpose to this amendment.

I agree with Senator Pearse Doherty that the real protection in this matter comes from the people. That has already been enshrined in the Constitution. The protection the Senator seeks to ensure Ireland is not forced into a common European defence already exists.