Mullooly expresses neutrality concerns amid potential Custume Barracks troops deployment in Ukraine

Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has raised significant concerns with the President of France about the potential deployment of Custume Barracks based Defence Force personnel as part of a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.

Mullooly stated that he had directly questioned French President Emmanuel Macron during a recent meeting about the strategic considerations for such missions and their implications for Irish neutrality.

Mullooly expressed serious concern over any ceasefire deal that might emerge from the proposed US - Russia negotiations, its impact on the people of Ukraine and asked President Macron to clarify any envisioned role of Irish troops in a potential peacekeeping operation, particularly in light of Ireland’s neutrality and its historical approach to international missions.

Mullooly emphasised that his conclusions were formed after further consultation with Cathal Berry TD, a former Army Ranger and military expert.

"After speaking directly with President Macron and consulting with Cathal Berry, I have formed a clear position: Irish troops must not be deployed to border regions or other danger zones in Ukraine," he said.

He added he believed that Irish troops, if deployed towards peacekeeping efforts, must be placed inland and away from the borders and must have proper equipment, resources, and supports to defend themselves if enforcing a UN peacekeeping mandate.

Mullooly also expressed major concerns about the possibility of an EU defence force requesting Irish troops for such roles.

"Ireland’s neutrality has served us well for many years, and any move towards an EU defence force raises serious questions about our sovereignty and our ability to make independent decisions regarding the deployment of our Defence Forces," he said.

The MEP stressed that further debate is required on this issue, particularly given Ireland’s position as a neutral country.

"We need an open and honest discussion on the future of the United Nations structures and about how Ireland can continue to contribute to global peacekeeping efforts while safeguarding our neutrality and ensuring that any involvement is consistent with our values.

"Ireland has always played a constructive role in international peacekeeping efforts, but we must ensure that our soldiers are protected, properly resourced, and deployed only in specific inland locations and if this scenario does play out we should not be rushing in as immediate boots on the ground.

“We live in dangerous times but we must go into these situations with our eyes open and I believe our own government will face crucial decisions in this regard as soon as March 5 so they must be prepared.

"I am committed to ensuring that Ireland continues to play a constructive role internationally while safeguarding our neutrality and protecting the lives of our Defence Forces personnel," Mullooly said.