Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I ask Senator Craughwell to tell us who are the lunatics to whom he referred in the context of PESCO. I am highly insulted and disgusted. The fact that we can converse and discuss issues such as PESCO through social media is a good thing. To call people lunatics is very unfair and damaging so I wish Senator Craughwell would take back his remark. I agree with my colleague from Sinn Féin because I also believe that there is more to PESCO than we are hearing about. I am disgusted that our Government will potentially sign a document today that, again, has the potential to erode our sovereignty and neutrality. It is wrong and should be turned about. I implore the Taoiseach to come to this House as soon as possible to debate the issue of PESCO. We need transparency, which has been lacking; we need debate, which has been clearly lacking; and we need to know what the mechanism for our country to turn about a decision with regard to the signing of PESCO is. It definitely is not the right thing for the people of Ireland. We must have the debate and enable the people to come to the representatives of the Oireachtas and let their voice be heard.

I am disappointed with Fianna Fáil. We are not hearing the voice of Fianna Fáil regarding the potential risks PESCO poses to this country. I agree with Senator Craughwell that member of our armed forces need proper salaries and terms and conditions. There is no doubt about that but with regard to signing PESCO, we do not know what is the hidden potential cost for our country. We have always been the voice of reason and peace in international negotiations. PESCO is the wrong way for our country to go so I ask that the Taoiseach to come to the House as soon as possible to discuss it.