Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are seeing a dramatic increase in military spending around the world. On 28 June, Ursula von der Leyen said that common procurement will give the defence industry more certainty and bring us closer to a European defence union. Essentially we can ramp up production and see the further armament of Europe with more weapons, more war, and more young men and women dead. On Thursday evening last week, the Dáil set aside 55 minutes to discuss and approve Ireland's participation in European Defence Agency, EDA, projects. That is a rubber stamp, not a valuable discussion or debate and there was no opportunity for scrutiny or questions. The Minister did not even respond to the Sinn Féin amendment on that occasion. There should be detailed examination of Ireland's involvement in these projects and how they affect our neutrality. Members of the Dáil who are tasked with approving Ireland's involvement should be confident that when a proposal comes before them, it has been properly scrutinised and a proper examination has taken place. For our part, Sinn Féin has been clear that these projects should come before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. That is the appropriate forum in which to scrutinise Ireland's involvement in EDA projects, and it should not be relegated to a 55-minute slot on a Thursday evening. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence would also enable Senators to have their say and partake in the scrutiny. On that basis, I ask the Leader of the Seanad to write to the Government and say that in advance of Dáil Éireann approving Ireland's participation in future EDA projects, the matter should be referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence for detailed scrutiny so Senators could also have their say and do their scrutiny.