Gerard Craughwell (Independent)

I join others in complimenting the staff of Leinster House. Wonderful work was put in by all of our colleagues and those who look after our needs. I also compliment the Cathaoirleach on his speech, which was a wonderful tour de force. However, the visit gives rise to questions on the issue of Ireland's position in the world. We go on with this nonsense about military neutrality and political neutrality, but there are no definitions of such concepts in international law. Customary international law recognises neutrality and non-neutrality.The essence of being neutral is that where two belligerents are at each other's throats, you stand by and let them at it. You do not offer any support whatsoever. I believe we should support Ukraine in every way we possibly could, but we should do it in an honest way. We have given €100 million for humanitarian care. We should give €100 million and let Ukraine do whatever it feels it needs to do that best suits its needs.

The time has come for an honest discussion on our posture in the world. At the start of the Ukrainian war, the Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, took it upon himself to declare Ireland was not neutral in the case of the Ukrainian war. Has it ever been debated in this House? Has there ever been a debate in the Oireachtas as to exactly where we stand? The people of Ireland are entitled to know where we stand because, by our actions, we put the country in peril. At the end of the day I am fully supportive of Ukraine and of a credible neutrality that is capable of defending the country the way it needs to be defended. Ireland has used neutrality as a way of not spending money on defence, and has exposed this country to the diabolical situation it is in today, where we are incapable of defending ourselves. I ask the Leader to bring the Minister for Defence and for Foreign Affairs and Trade into this House and let us have an open and honest conversation about neutrality. Give the citizens what they need. Tell them exactly where we stand and stop playing games with words that have no meaning in customary international law.