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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Nov 2009

Vol. 694 No. 1

Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages.

As there are no amendments on Report Stage, we will move on to the Final Stage.

Bill reported without amendment.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."

I thank the Members of the House for the interest they have taken in this legislation. I am in agreement with a number of Deputies that given the diverse range of missions to which our Defence Forces make a positive contribution, it is vital the Defence Forces have the best protection and best equipment available when participating in peacekeeping missions overseas. This legislation will enable further positive engagement in international peace support in humanitarian operations by facilitating access to research and information on developing and maintaining capabilities which we are unable to generate ourselves. It is long recognised internationally that our troops have made an extremely valuable contribution to the operations in which they have been deployed. The proposals in this Bill will allow us to decide on the enhancement of future capabilities available to the Defence Forces. It is important to reiterate that any decisions on involving ourselves in European Defence Agency projects, or on participating in permanent structure co-operation, will remain the sole decision of the Irish Government and the Oireachtas. The triple lock requirement in this Bill is consistent with the policy position of the Government in respect of the deployment of Defence Forces personnel on peacekeeping operations overseas. I do not intend to depart from it and I know it is a position which is understood and appreciated by the Irish people. It is reassuring that Deputies appreciate that where the European Defence Agency project will assist the enhancement of capabilities for an operation to which Ireland contributes troops, it is important to consider the benefits which Ireland can obtain from such participation. While we may not be involved in specific projects, it is nevertheless essential that we are supportive of initiatives to improve capabilities available for overseas operations.

In a climate of diminishing budgets, the House will agree there is a need for greater efficiency and effectiveness in spending. The focus of the EDA in assisting member states in obtaining better value for existing spending levels, improving competitiveness and securing greater efficiency, will be particularly beneficial. If involvement in the European Defence Agency projects will afford us an opportunity of achieving economies of scale in defence procurement, I would consider it particularly valuable from a defence expenditure perspective, especially in the current economic environment.

I reiterate my thanks to the Members of Dáil Éireann for taking this Bill at short notice. I also wish to join with the kind sentiments expressed by various speakers on all sides of the House for the Defence Forces generally and in particular for service by the Defence Forces on overseas peace support missions. Wherever they are, our troops serve with professionalism, dedication, courage and commitment. Such service contributes extensively to the high regard in which Ireland is held within the international community. In return, the safety and protection of troops must be one of our highest priorities and any means to support this should be considered positively.

Fine Gael welcomes this Bill which gives an additional guarantee besides the triple lock to the Irish people. As expressed in the Lisbon debate, Ireland will not enter any arrangements without the approval of the Government and the Dáil. The European Defence Agency is very important. This Bill ensures our involvement in the EDA will guarantee compatible equipment and training for the Defence Forces. It also provides the opportunity for interoperability, flexibility and the deployment of forces. I refer to Ireland's participation in the EUFOR mission to Chad where similar equipment was made available to the Irish forces. Training in the use of common equipment as between European armed forces is very important.

I was not present in the Chamber for the Committee Stage of the Bill. This is a bicameral parliamentary system and it is important that Seanad approval be sought for measures such as this Bill. Does the reference to "approval of Dáil Éireann" include the Seanad as well as Dáil Éireann? I note that the reference to the prior approval of Dáil Éireann does not mention the Oireachtas or the Seanad.

In respect of approval, the Dáil simply means the Dáil.

Is there no reference to the Seanad?

Yes. I understood the Deputy was asking if the Bill had to go to the Seanad, which it does.

I realise that but this point could be made in the Seanad. Perhaps an amendment could be tabled to the effect that in future if such an issue comes before the Dáil, the Seanad should be consulted to give it a meaningful role. When the Minister goes before the Seanad he should consider extending the function of approval to the Seanad because we promote a bicameral approach involving both Houses. Perhaps such an approach should apply in this case.

I refer to permanent structured co-operation. The Minister stated he does not know exactly how this will work but that if he becomes involved he will revert to and consult with the House. This is an assurance and safety procedure to the effect that we will not get involved in something that would interfere in any way with our neutrality or which would be against the wishes of the Dáil or the people. I agree with the purpose of permanent structured co-operation. I understand member states may come together for enhanced co-operation, for example, the provision of equipment such as helicopters, larger aircraft or more sophisticated weaponry that may not be available to smaller member states. That is not the same as providing a European army but it will ensure some of the more difficult missions in which the European Union might participate in future will be properly equipped and that there will be proper movement of equipment. As the Minister is aware, there was a problem in Chad with a medical evacuation. In that case we received helicopters from the Ukraine that were not suitable. Hopefully, enhanced co-operation will ensure this will not occur in future.

Overall, I welcome the legislation and the Minister will have support from Fine Gael. I suggest when he goes before the Seanad, the Minister might include an amendment. I would have tabled such an amendment but for other reasons I was not present during the debate. The amendment should include a reference to the prior approval of the Oireachtas and it should include both Houses.

On behalf of my colleague, Deputy Brian O'Shea, who is unavoidably absent due to illness, and on behalf of the Labour Party, I congratulate the Minister on the introduction of this legislation. During the referendum on the last Lisbon treaty we saw the problems generated by misinformation. The introduction of this Bill is very positive and will help to alleviate those. One never knows what clicks in the minds of people when they make decisions. However, the fact that this was introduced in September and was in place before the treaty made all the difference.

I refer to other matters related to the Defence Forces. This Bill will provide opportunities for many youngsters who join the Defence Forces to have access to modern equipment. We are approaching Christmas time and I realise the Minister has provided guarantees to the House previously in respect of communications between people overseas and their families. I trust such arrangements will be in place again this time. As in the case of the Minister of State, Deputy Áine Brady, I come from a constituency in which the Army plays a major part in the lives of so many people. It is only true and fair to say that we hear very little but that the Army has carried out its duties in a first class way in respect of communications, which is to be commended. We are approaching that time now and it is important such communication arrangements are put in place again. As Deputy O'Shea stated previously, we fully support the Bill and I congratulate the Minister for moving when he did and I am sure a positive result will emerge and this will help to ensure the Defence Forces will continue to serve with such distinction and determination overseas. This is a move for the better in respect of the Defences Forces.

Question put and agreed to
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