In July 2026, we take over the Presidency of the European Union. The media has been rife with speculation in respect of our ability to provide security for the Presidency. The decimation of the Defence Forces is something I have spoken on for 11 years in this Chamber. There are green shoots and hopeful signs in some parts of the Defence Forces. Can we imagine the embarrassment in Ireland if we cannot host a meeting of prime ministers in this country because we do not have the security resources? Is the speculation in the media accurate? Are we turning to NATO to provide security for the Presidency of the European Union? If we are turning to NATO, is that a change in Irish policy? The Government needs to come clean now.

It needs to lay out exactly what the plan is with respect to how we manage the Presidency of the European Union. Who will provide the security? We had a meeting last week with three arms of the Government: the Department of foreign affairs, the Garda and the Department of Defence. We need certainty.

I have always been a supporter of eliminating the triple lock, for example. I have always been a supporter of engaging with other defence forces throughout the world - it is good for training - but if there is a change in policy, the Irish people have a right to know that. I believe the time has come for this Chamber to invite in the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and ask him to lay out the plans there are. If we are asking a NATO state to provide the security that this country needs to host a prestigious event such as the Presidency of the European Union, the citizens of this country have a right to know. We need to get that clear, once and for all, or stop the speculation in the media. It is either true or false. If it is fake news or false information, we need to call it out for what it is.