John Gormley

Green Party Chairman and Foreign Affairs spokesperson John Gormley TD, reacting to news that Irish troops would not be among the first wave of UN peacekeepers sent to Lebanon, today said:

“The cautious approach adopted by Minister for Affairs, Dermot Ahern, is both understandable and welcome. The rules of engagement for any UN force need to be studied carefully and debated fully in the Dáil. The situation in southern Lebanon is still extremely volatile and serious doubts have been expressed about the durability of the ceasefire. Under these circumstances and while there is still a lack of clarity about the rules of engagement it makes little sense to deploy members of the defence forces.

“The Minister now needs to bring what influence he has to bear on his counterparts in the EU to press for a lasting peace settlement in the region, which would involve all of the parties – including Syria and Iran – and examine aspects of the conflict such as the Golan Heights and the future of the West Bank.”

Statement by John Gormley TD Green Party Chairman and defence spokesperson.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence have still not clarified Ireland’s position in relation to the deployment of Irish troops into Lebanon. In particular, they have made no statement about to the rules of engagement for an international force operating in Southern Lebanon. While Ireland will be attending today’s UN conference on this issue, we have as yet had no clarity from either minister despite repeated calls from this party. (more…)

The Green Party today urged the Government to be extremely cautious about sending Irish troops to the Lebanon. Green Party Chairman and Defence spokesperson John Gormley TD called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern and the Minister for Defence, Willie O’Dea to outline precisely what the Government plans were in relation to troop deployment in the Lebanon. (more…)

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. (more…)

Mr. Gormley: The Defence (Amendment) Bill 2005 represents the most significant departure from our traditional defence policy and undoes the triple lock mechanism.  Will all Stages of this Bill be taken in one day next week.  If that is the case, it is disgraceful.  It is disgraceful to spend one day on all Stages of this major legislation. 
   The Taoiseach: The answer is “Yes”.
   Mr. Gormley: That is absolutely disgraceful.  Many traditional Fianna Fáil supporters will be shocked at the Taoiseach’s blasé attitude. 
   An Ceann Comhairle: I ask Deputy Gormley to allow Deputy Durkan to speak.  If he does not do so, we will move on the next item.

 Mr. Gormley: On a point of order, all the Deputies want is a copy of this legislation.
   An Ceann Comhairle: That is not a point of order.  The Taoiseach will respond to Deputy Rabbitte.
   Mr. Gormley: The Taoiseach should ensure we receive a copy of the legislation as a matter of urgency.
   The Taoiseach: I will discuss it with the Minister.  I am not sure that it will be taken on Thursday but I will ask that the Bill be circulated quickly.

123. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding Irish troops serving with UNMIL in Liberia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17177/06] (more…)

64. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the success of the Easter commemoration, he intends to make this an annual event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17426/06] (more…)

932. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has received inquiries from a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; the reason no information has been given to the parents regarding what happened; his views on an inquiry into this incident; if there are files relating to the disappearance of a person; the reason his Department is so reluctant to give information on a serving officer who was lost at sea to that person’s parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14522/06] (more…)

The Green Party has called for an independent investigation into military stop-overs at Shannon Airport.

Speaking following revelations that Apache helicopters have been exported to Israel through Shannon, Green Party Chairman John Gormley TD said the issue raised serious questions about the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

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