Labour calls for clarification on use of army abroad
The Labour party has called on the Minister for Defence to explain why he is changing the laws on when the Irish Army can take part in international missions.
The law says the Army can only take part in operations set up by the UN, which would make the Irish involvement in Kosovo unlawful.
New legislation is expected to close this loophole, and let Ireland take part in any action in which the UN is involved.
However, Labour defence spokesman Joe Costello says it is still not clear how the law will change.
"Willie O’Dea," Deputy Costello said, “seems to be introducing legislation which would have the effect regularising the situation for which there was very spurious legality up to this point in time.
“There has been no discussion on it. The Minister has not clarified exactly what he is proposing and we still have not seen the legislation even though it is going to be debated and put through before the end of this term.”
