Dáil votes to join EU's defence organisation

The Dáil has voted by 75 votes to 42 to join a new EU defence network.

Dáil votes to join EU's defence organisation

The Dáil has voted by 75 votes to 42 to join a new EU defence network.

The European Union's Permanent Structured Co-operation Agreement (PESCO) is seen by some as the first step towards an EU army.

It will see countries taking part in sharing information and co-operating on issues of defence.

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said it is necessary to ensure the security of the State, and it will not affect our neutrality.

Opposition TD Richard Boyd Barrett is staunchly against the idea.

He said: "This is what Tusk said about PESCO, its purpose is to protect the bloc from the affects of the migrant crisis and hostile bordering states.

"Affects of the migrant crisis... that's 35,000 people drowned in the Mediterranean thanks to 'fortress Europe', and they want to militarise the wall that Donald Trump dreams of building to keep those desperate people out."

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Irish homelessness Government criticised for missing social and affordable housing targets
National Risk Assessment for Ireland Tánaiste urges Israel ‘to show humanity’ and allow more aid into Gaza
Lego set based on RNLI lifeboat could soon become a reality Lego set based on RNLI lifeboat could soon become a reality
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited