The Government recently announced that a consultative forum will be set up to address Ireland's broader foreign policy. Nobody is afraid of debate and discussion but what many people are afraid of is the erosion of Ireland's neutrality. The Tánaiste may argue to the contrary but all of the soundings in recent times, particularly around the triple lock mechanism, as well as on Ireland's involvement in EU battle groups, permanent structured co-operation, PESCO, and the use of Shannon Airport, point to that. We must remember that US troops went through Shannon Airport and murdered tens of thousands of Iraqi troops. Where does the Tánaiste stand in relation to Ireland's neutrality? Will he give a commitment that a referendum will be held on our neutrality?

I will not give a commitment on a referendum because that is a matter for the Government of the day, in terms of foreign policy more generally. I welcome the Deputy's important statement that no one is against debate because at the very mention of hosting a national conversation or forum on foreign policy and security, and I will be bringing proposals to Government in the next number of weeks to facilitate such a national debate and conversation, people on Deputy Kenny's side of the House and from the far left generally immediately seized upon this as evidence of the end of our neutrality. If we create a national forum where all sides and all perspectives can make submissions, we cannot just immediately label that as some sort of attempt to browbeat people into a particular policy-----

I never said that.

It gets said all of the time.

No, the actions of the Government say it.

It gets said all of the time.