Plans for Irish involvement in EU battle groups

DEFENCE Minister Willie O’Dea will announce details within the next month of the legislative change needed to allow Irish troops to be sent to world trouble spots with EU battle groups.

Attorney General Rory Brady is almost in a position to give final legal advice to the Government to pave the way for Irish involvement in the multi-national forces.

Mr O’Dea said the initial advice received suggested a constitutional referendum will not be needed to effect the change which, critics argue, will mean Ireland’s foreign policy of neutrality is effectively jettisoned.