Not on the floor of the Chamber.

Will the Taoiseach indicate when the Dáil will debate the Government's decision to join the EU's permanent structure co-operation on security and defence, PESCO, which has to be signed off at the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 11 December. The EU Commission has stated that the difference with PESCO relates to the binding nature of the commitment undertaken by member states in the context of various forms of co-operation it covers. The Secretary General of NATO has indicated that this measure would strengthen the EU pillar within NATO. This will lead to a massive increase in defence spending and in the development of the defence industry. It has huge implications for Ireland in the context of budgets and the nature of our Defence Forces. When will we have a proper debate on this historic development, which needs to be decided upon by the House and not just the Cabinet?

This issue came to the Government last week and we agreed to bring it before the House. There will be a full debate on it before a decision is made by this House. The proposal for more structured co-operation on defence and security issues across the European Union has been in development for a number of years. It does not, however, oblige Ireland to do anything. The structure has, essentially, a voluntary opt-in that allows Ireland to choose the projects in respect of which we want partnerships with other countries. Perhaps these could be in areas such as marine surveillance, peacekeeping, training or cyber security. This is a practical response by the European Union to create more structure around co-operation when countries choose, on a voluntary basis, to work together in a more coherent way. The Government will be recommending that Ireland supports the programme, but there will be an opportunity for all Members to have their say on the matter when we debate it in the House.

When will that happen?

I hope it will take place next week but that is a matter for party Whips and the Business Committee.