Green Party calls on Labour to support amendments to Defence Bill
Green Party Chairman and defence spokesperson John Gormley TD has called on the Labour Party to support its proposed amendments to the Defence Bill.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s debate Deputy Gormley said: “Since the publication of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2006 we have heard very little from the Labour Party in relation to its provisions. I see, however, that they share our concern about the railroading of this important legislation through the Dáil.
“Rushing a Bill through in the space of three hours, to be finally voted on at midnight, is an unacceptable way to process any legislation but particularly a Bill which represents such a radical departure from our traditional defence policy.
“Indeed, the legislation – by watering down the definition of an International United Nations Force and what constitutes a UN mandate – is in contravention of the much vaunted ‘Seville Declaration’ attached to the second Nice Treaty referendum (and strongly supported at the time by the Labour Party).
“This Declaration states that Irish forces can only go abroad with UN ‘authorisation’, whereas the Government’s new Defence Bill is much looser, allowing ‘endorsed, supported, approved or otherwise sanctioned’ by the UN. It appears that the Government is ditching the Seville Declaration as well; so much for its assurances to the Irish people at Nice.
“I have spoken to both Michael D Higgins and Joe Costello, but as of yet have not received any firm commitments from either, about the Labour Party attitude. I sincerely hope that their dalliance with Fine Gael has not resulted in the blue rinsing of Labour policies.
“On the question of the triple lock, (the requirement for Government and Dáil approval as well as a UN mandate before Irish troops can be despatched abroad) there can be no equivocation. The dilution of the triple lock provisions, as evidenced in this Bill, should be wholeheartedly rejected.
“I firmly hope the Labour Party will support the Green Party’s amendments – or put down similar amendments of their own - and, if our amendments are defeated, that the Labour Party will join us in voting against this legislation,” concluded Deputy Gormley.