Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister for Defence. Before I speak on the Bill, I wish to be associated with the congratulations to a former Member of the Dáil, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, on her appointment as European Commissioner. I wish her the best of luck. I have no doubt that with her experience as a politician, a former Minster and a member of the European Court of Auditors, she will have no problem carrying out a great job for this country.

I wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to the families of the four young girls killed in a tragic road accident on the Mayo-Galway border yesterday. I to express my deepest sympathy to their families.

I welcome this short Bill which Fine Gael supports. There are two main parts to it, one covering procurement and research and design and the other State participation in programmes of permanent structural co-operation. I note from speeches the Minister has made that the triple lock mechanism provided for in the Bill is consistent with the policy position of the Government on the deployment of Defence Forces personnel on peacekeeping operations overseas. There is no change in that respect. The other two basic issues are covered in the Bill.

Members of the Defence Forces who have participated in peacekeeping missions overseas have done magnificent work for many years, the latest mission being to Chad where conditions have been very difficult. We have paid a hefty price through the loss of life and injuries sustained by personnel in our peacekeeeping forces. It is only correct, therefore, that the best equipment be made available and that our Defence Forces receive the best possible training and advice. We all agree with this. I thoroughly agree that they should receive training and have such equipment at their disposal, however that will be done. It is not clear from the Minister's speech how it will pan out. He referred in this regard to procurement. How will the most up-to-date technology and equipment be made available on the ground? Will Irish forces be sent to other countries? Will a European centre of excellence be provided? Will some countries have expertise in one area, while others will have it in others? Will forces be sent from one country to another, or will a centre of excellence be provided? I note the Minister has said the full details are probably not yet known.

On procurement, will there be group purchasing of equipment? Will Ireland be able to purchase equipment such as helicopters, guns or whatever surveillance equipment will be required at the same price as the larger members states of the European Union whose forces are participating in peacekeeping missions? It is important that we have the same purchasing power as the larger member states. As the Minister said, at this time, when there are great demands on very scarce resources, it is important that we are able to purchase the best technology in the world at the same price as the larger forces in Europe.

The Bill provides legislative autonomy for the State to engage in procurement and research and design programmes under the auspices of the EDA. This will allow the State to join in programmes designed to achieve economies for the Defence Forces and share in research and design among participating members. I presume this relates to the research and design aspect. I also presume a centre of excellence will be provided, otherwise I do not know how matters will pan out, other than that personnel will be sent from one country to another. I question if that would be the best practice. However, it is only right that the best technology will be made available to the Defence Forces.

This is a short Bill. I note from the Minister's speeches in this House and the Dáil that the State's participation in each individual programme will depend on Government and Dáil approval. I have tabled three minor amendments to the effect that such participation should depend on the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas to ensure such a proposal would have to come before the Seanad as well as the Dáil. I hope that when we come to deal with Committee Stage, the Minister will accept these amendments.

There is very little more to the Bill. Fine Gael is in total agreement with its provisions and hopes the Minister can push it through as quickly as possible and that it will be implemented as quickly and as smoothly as possible for the benefit of the Defence Forces, especially those that will participate in overseas peacekeeping missions. The Minister might indicate if a centre of excellence for training will be provided within the European Union.