Could the Ceann Comhairle tell me when No. 14, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of Ireland’s participation in a European Defence Agency project, is going to be taken?
Gnó na Dála - Business of Dáil
It will taken at 6.05 p.m.
This matter was raised at the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence, where I expressed deep concern about how the role of the Defence Forces would be changed by engaging in this project. I would expect that if participation in this project is to be discussed and approved by this House that it would first get a full report based on what was said in the committee. I ask that we get a report on the points raised at the committee meeting before this matter is nodded through. Moving from solely engaging in peacekeeping missions, through which we have built up a significant reputation throughout the world, to involvement in whatever is meant by military search capability building is a very serious change to the role of Irish Defence Forces. This is something about which I am deeply concerned.
Deputy Barrett is quite right.
We will have the matter investigated and we will report directly to the Deputy in advance of that item.
I ask that this matter not be taken until we get a full report.
We have just agreed the Order of Business.
I did not agree. This item was not reached. That is why I am raising it.
It was part of the proposal for today's business. It was agreed to take all those matters. How the item proceeds is another matter, but we will investigate the issue and report directly to the Deputy in advance.
I thank the Ceann Comhairle.