I am happy to have been invited to speak on this issue at your conference this morning because, in preparing this paper, I have been obliged to consider once again the very complex question of Irish neutrality in the wider context of Ireland’s membership of the European Union, and its emerging Security and Defence policy.
I [...]

Like Senator Hannigan, I welcome the announcement that agreement was reached last night in Croke Park on the international treaty banning the use of cluster munitions or cluster bombs. The central role played by Ireland in organising this conference and in pushing forward the issue must be acknowledged, as must the role the United Kingdom [...]

The Government launched its information booklet on the Lisbon treaty yesterday. Will the Leader clarify what role this House will play in educating and informing the public about the treaty? Most people areaware there is a deficit of information on it. Members of the public have said they do not know enough about it and [...]

Will the Leader of the House invite the Minister for Defence to the House to discuss the issue of the delayed deployment of Irish troops to Chad? This issue is a matter of concern. It was discussed in the House before Christmas and many speakers wished the Irish troops well in the EUFOR mission in [...]