Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
364. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether the planned centre in Kinsale in County Cork honouring the Irish in military units will potentially affect Ireland's neutrality due to its commemoration of soldiers who fought in foreign armies, navies and air forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13187/15]
View answer365. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that the State will have no involvement in any provision of a centre or museum for veterans or existing military personnel who are Irish citizens but fighting for foreign armies, which would be a complete insult to the position of neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13264/15]
View answer366. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the nature of his involvement with the talks about providing a centre in Kinsale in County Cork to recognise Irish veterans who fought in foreign armies. [13265/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 364 to 366, inclusive, together.
Whilst I am aware of the proposed centre in question, its development is not something that I or my Department have had any involvement in.
Ireland's policy of military neutrality is defined by non-participation in a military alliance or mutual-defence arrangements. In my view, this policy would not be affected by the proposed centre.
