Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

Adams accuses European leaders of trying to create 'EU army'

Adams questioned the future of Irish neutrality as the EU plans to increase spending on weapons.

SINN FÉIN LEADER Gerry Adams has accused European Union leaders of trying to further militarise the European Union with the aim of eventually creating an “EU army”, allied to NATO.

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Adams said the function of such an army appears to be protecting the interests of former European colonial powers in their former colonies.

He was responding to a report to the Dáil from the European Council which covered the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), economic and social policy and a number of other issues.

“Did you at any stage stand up for the ideal of Irish neutrality, a concept supported and valued by the vast majority of citizens in this State?” Adams asked the Taoiseach.

“Unless seriously challenged, a continuation of the plans discussed at the EU summit we will see increased spending on weapons by EU states, including this state.

“At the time of one the biggest economic recessions that Europe has ever witnessed, the main idea contained in these Council Conclusions is to increase spending on weapons and military technology. Where is the sense in such a policy?”

Responding to these comments, Paschal Donohoe, Minister of State for the Taoiseach’s department, said the council recognises the safeguards for Ireland’s neutrality set out in the Lisbon Treaty.

“If I look at the understandable concerns raised by members as to what the Common Security and Defence Policy could look like in the future, I point to what it has done in the past and now, as well as Irish participation in it,” he said.

We should look at the work of the Defence Forces in Chad, Somalia and Mali where the men and women of the Defence Forces have been engaged in activities completely consistent with our neutrality, as well as its safeguards in the Lisbon treaty. It is about protecting and promoting vulnerable communities which need support to protect their human rights. In other cases, it is about the country’s security interests.

“Anything we have done to date and will do in the future recognises and will recognise the clear parameters laid down in the Constitution and the Lisbon treaty,” he stressed. “There should be no doubt or ambiguity in this regard.”

Read: Extra Banking Union meeting needed after ministers fail to reach agreement>

Column: What happens to Ireland if the UK exits the EU?>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
176 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Griffosaurus
    Favourite Griffosaurus
    Report
    Jun 12th 2013, 8:50 PM

    Like what other option do you have with some people who are violent to the extent they can’t be around people… Is doping them out of there head non stop any better

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aine Nibhern
    Favourite Aine Nibhern
    Report
    Jun 16th 2013, 11:17 PM

    As long as you are aware that the prescribed psychoactive drugs they pump into people can also increase the risk of violence. Here is a forensic Psychaitrist from Australia.

    Adverse Reactions to Psychiatric Drugs: Yolande Lucire MBBS, Peter Breggin MD
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEoSs6Yo0DA

    Prof David Healy and Dr Peter Breggin also do great work in getting the truth out about these drugs.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute patok
    Favourite patok
    Report
    Jun 12th 2013, 10:56 PM

    This is seriously unfair and insulting to psychiatric nurses, a profession which has many wonderful, hard-working people.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karen Reidy
    Favourite Karen Reidy
    Report
    Jun 12th 2013, 11:24 PM

    Restraining is for everyone’s safety. Bonkers attitude

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Antonia Sparkels
    Favourite Antonia Sparkels
    Report
    Jun 13th 2013, 5:21 AM

    More shit from people completely put of touch with the reality, this would be fantastic if psychiatric nurses didn’t have to restrain seclude or even medicate at that, but unfortunately we live in reality where sometimes people with mental health issuers are aggressive and violent, as long as this happens restraint and seclusion will be a necessity, the alternative is high doses of sedatives ??? Which would you choose

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Dowling
    Favourite Frank Dowling
    Report
    Jun 13th 2013, 6:55 AM

    The mental health commission obviously dont have a clue what they are talking about!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ann Murphy
    Favourite Ann Murphy
    Report
    Jun 13th 2013, 5:32 PM

    Its the same in nursing homes we recently had an issue with my mother after a fall..not her first..and were told she couldn’t be strapped into a chair because its too restricting even though it would be for her own safety.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lara Kelly
    Favourite Lara Kelly
    Report
    Jun 13th 2013, 11:51 AM

    Isn’t it important to look at if restraint actually works/helps people recover? It should be a last resort. This blog from someone on the damage restraint did to her is interesting: http://www.mind.org.uk/blog/9010_i_needed_help_not_harm?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social+media&utm_campaign=Restraint

    3
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds