Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator spoke about our policy on neutrality. It is one issue that I continue to highlight and outline at every given opportunity, specifically at all of the European Council meetings that I attend where I always outline Ireland's policy on neutrality. People might not call it neutrality; Senator Craughwell referred to "non-aligned". It is very important that each and every country has different positions and policies. I have highlighted and will continue to highlight our policy on neutrality.

On the White Paper update, that will not alter the fundamentals of existing defence policy, including our policy on neutrality.

Operation Sophia has played a decisive role in improving the overall maritime security in the central Mediterranean. I believe every member of the House here would agree with that. EU member states have agreed to extend the mandate of Operation Sophia for a further three months and to carry out a review. Discussions are taking place right now, at EU level, on the review of the mandate. Once that is concluded we will consider Ireland's participation in Operation Sophia into 2019. The matter will be considered in due course.