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Irish Defence Forces participate in various UN and EU-led peacekeeping operations around the world. This allows us to contribute to the strengthening of international peace and security, protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and support conditions for sustainable development, while respecting our position of military neutrality.
The European Defence Fund, established in the context of the multi-annual financial framework, will improve the capacity of the European Union and its Member States to contribute to international peace and security by supporting research and innovation in the defence sector.
Support for this fund in no way undermines Ireland's commitment to military neutrality. We support the triple lock mechanism of requiring a UN Security Council resolution, a vote by the Government and a vote by the Dáil before Óglaigh na hÉireann can partake in missions overseas.
The Fianna Fáil delegation therefore voted against an amendment to reject the agreement reached on the European Defence Fund. We also abstained on all other amendments, as a vote in favour of them would result in lengthy delays in establishing this fund.