International Relations
Dail Éireann — 2026-10-01
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Helen McEntee (FG), Meath East

I am happy to engage further on this matter. The Deputy mentioned the security and defence space. I met my French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, on 3 June 2026. We discussed our Presidency priorities and how we advance co-operation on competitiveness and other areas, with particular regard to bilateral co-operation on European security and defence. In the Middle East, specifically Lebanon, we have a proud history of working together on the ground. Our troops work to protect the Lebanese people and support the Lebanese armed forces. We also have an increasing bilateral relationship when it comes to our defence co-operation more broadly, and I would like to see that expand and grow, given our history and proud tradition of peacekeeping.
This document is a developed blueprint from the previous document. It details opportunities where we can try to strengthen that relationship. I am happy to follow up on the issues both Deputies specifically raised with me.

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Retrieved: 2026-10-05T01:01:00+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-10-01