Dáil approves Irish involvement in EU military initiative

The Dáil has approved a plan to allow Ireland join an EU military initiative to defend critical seabed infrastructure against sabotage, terrorism and espionage.

The move got the green light from TDs following a vote with 74 deputies supporting the motion and 58 voting against it.

The Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection project is part of the PESCO framework where EU member states cooperate to improve the capabilities of their armed forces.

Prior to the vote there had been some angry exchanges between the Tánaiste Micheál Martin and members of the opposition.

Independent TD Catherine Connolly accused the Government of trying to erode the country’s neutrality “bit by bit.”

The proposals before the house were also criticised by Sinn Féin and Solidarity-People Before Profit.

In a robust response the Tánaiste, who is also Minister for Defence, asked TDs “what bloody planet” they were living on.

He also urged them to “for God’s sake” recognise Ireland’s strong record on upholding human rights.

Three months ago, the National Risk Assessment identified damage to undersea infrastructure as a key risk for this country.

Ireland will now join other EU countries to develop its surveillance operations and reconnaissance.

It will also see countries sharing information and honing its plans to respond to a threat at sea.

The project is led by Italy and already has seven EU member states participating in it.

A plan to participate in cyber defence exercises, which will be led by the European Defence Agency (EDA), was approved by the Dáil too.

The EDA was established in 2004 to help EU members improve their defence capabilities.