Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I sincerely thank all Members for their interest in the Bill and for their contributions to the debate. The effect of the legislation will be to increase openness and transparency in decision-making at EU level. It will provide for appropriate public debate on Ireland's participation in EDA projects and, in the future, on permanent structured co-operation, should that prove to be a worthwhile endeavour for the State. The qualification that such participation in EDA projects or in permanent structured co-operation be consistent with our participation in UN-mandated operations provides the appropriate safeguard for those concerned regarding our bona fides on those issues. The Government's sole purpose in participating in the agency is to ensure the Defence Forces have access to capability improvements and developments, which will support them in undertaking the roles assigned to them by government, in particular, in their overseas missions.

The Seanad has consistently taken the view that our Defence Forces should have the best, most modern equipment available and it has sought reassurances regarding the level of force protection provided to our troops. I take these key considerations into account in reflecting on our participation in EDA projects and programmes and this informs Ireland's approach to the agency. It is important to reiterate that decisions on involving ourselves in specific EDA projects or participating in permanent structured co-operation will remain the sole prerogative of the Government and the Oireachtas. It is reassuring that Senators appreciate that where an agency project will assist the enhancement of capabilities for an operation to which Ireland contributes troops, it is important to consider the benefits the State can obtain from such participation.

In addition, while we may not be involved in specific projects, it is nonetheless essential that we are supportive of initiatives to improve capabilities for overseas operations generally. In a climate of diminishing budgets, Senators will also agree there is a need for greater efficiency and effectiveness in spending. The focus of the EDA on assisting member states in obtaining better value for existing spending and securing greater efficiencies will be particularly beneficial. If involvement in EDA projects affords us an opportunity to achieve economies of scale in defence procurement, that would be valuable from a defence expenditure perspective, especially in the current economic environment.

Senator Burke and others praised the role of our troops in peacekeeping abroad. I appreciate that and I will pass on these sentiments to the Army.

Senator Burke also wanted to know how the EDA will work in practice, whether there will be a centre of excellence and whether there will be group purchasing of equipment and so on. With regard to how the agency works, all members have access to significant research it conducts on developing capabilities for operations abroad. Ireland has only participated in one project, which was related to force protection and how to develop better body armour and anti-improvised device, anti-booby trap and anti-sniper mechanisms. In other words, the project we have engaged in is solely related to how best to ensure the safety of our troops in hostile environments abroad.

On the issue of group purchasing, the European armaments market has traditionally been fragmented. Research I referred to in the Lower House was quoted, which indicates the Pentagon achieves four times the value for every dollar it spends on armaments compared to European countries that participate in UN operations. One of the central purposes of the EDA is to regulate and centralise the market in order that we can buy the best equipment at the cheapest rate and that is working. Whether that evolves into a European centre of excellence or group purchasing will probably be tied to permanent structured co-operation. It has not been developed yet. A list has been prepared by different members under the aegis of the EDA to show what the capability requirements will be over the next two decades and how we can access them.

Senator Kieran Phelan referred to interoperability, which is important. We operate aboard with other armies and interoperability decrees that our weapons systems are compatible, otherwise troops cannot operate effectively if different components of the UN authorised missions have different weaponry.

Senator Quinn raised the issue of radar protection for naval operations, which was discussed at the meeting of Defence Ministers in Sweden recently. That work is ongoing. The Senator was anxious that we would secure more help from the EU to patrol our coast but the purpose of the EDA is to allow us to develop systems, both through research and purchasing, to carry out such functions ourselves. On the other hand, the maritime centre established in Lisbon has provided wonderful intelligence to the Naval Service and it has enabled the conviction of a number of people for the biggest attempted drugs importation into the State ever, as the centre was able to go back and track the shipment from the Caribbean.

Senator Quinn made interesting comments on the need for more focus on helping countries to help themselves and get back on their feet rather than sending in troops to keep the peace. That is the emphasis of UN mandated operations since the definition was expanded in the Petersberg Tasks. There is more emphasis on not only helping to re-establish civil society but to provide assistance to these countries to train their armies, police forces and so on to look after themselves.

Senator Boyle said we must be careful about the general role of the EDA and where Ireland sees itself. Ireland sees itself as a neutral country and an often overlooked fact is that decisions of the agency require unanimity. That means that if one or more member countries such as France or Germany want to take European defence policy in a certain direction, we can block that because it can only move in that direction with the unanimous approval of members of the EDA board. That enables us to protect our principles and our world view at EDA level.

Senator Hannigan referred to the question of the transit of troops through Shannon Airport. Shannon has been used as a stopping-off point during various conflicts. I am reliably informed that in 1962, Russian troops en route to Cuba at the start of the Cuban missile crisis refuelled in Shannon. When American troops began to transit through Shannon at the outbreak of the Iraq war some other countries loudly proclaimed their neutrality. In one such country an outgoing government won an election on the basis of its neutrality in these matters. However, when there were protests in Ireland about the transit of troops through Shannon those very countries rushed to offer their facilities, because of the revenue that was going to be generated.