THE DEFENCE Forces will participate in two projects run by the European Defence Agency following Dáil approval of a motion by 108 to 18 votes.

The projects relate to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protection and on maritime surveillance. Introducing the motion, Minister for Justice Alan Shatter said that, since its establishment in 2004, the agency had “made significant progress on the development of many military capability projects and programmes in support of EU crisis management. The primary reason for Ireland’s participation in the EDA is to support the ongoing development of Defence Forces capabilities for international peace support operations”.

Mr Shatter said international intelligence-based threat assessments “all indicate an increased likelihood of terrorist organisations and insurgencies using chemical, biological or radiological agents against both military and civilian targets”. He added that “apart from possible international threats, there are also potential national threats”. He said “an attack . . . could inflict major casualties amongst security forces, emergency responders and unprotected civilians”.

Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Dara Calleary, supporting the motion, said “chemical weapons are a threat to the world and to Ireland, regardless of its neutrality. It would be criminal for us to decide to distance ourselves from any efforts to tackle this threat.”

Sinn Féin opposed the motion and justice spokesman Jonathan O’Brien said the defence agency was “all about the EU being a vital part of the Nato infrastructure”.