Kathy today called upon the French Government to release their white paper on defence immediately. “It has been ready for release since May but the French government are withholding it until after the Irish referendum. It is clear from Mr. Lequiller's comments in their European Affairs Committee that the intention is to not release this publishable and very relevant document until after our referendum. To try and prevent a NO vote in Ireland."
She continued "It is reasonable for inquiring minds to wonder what is in this Paper that would delay its publication thus far and why it is thought to effect the chances of Lisbon passing on the 12th of June?”

Deputy Sinnott also rejected government obfuscation on the Lisbon Treaty's implications for Irish defence spending. When asked about defence expenditure on RTE’s “Week in Politics” program on Sunday night, Minister Lenihan changed the subject and repeated the claim that our neutrality is protected under Lisbon. Minister O'Dea likewise says that the commitment from Lisbon should not mean extra expenditure.

"This is unrealistic," Kathy Sinnott MEP said today in Cork "Mr. Sarkozy is placing defence at the centre of his Presidency of the EU. He has even floated the ridiculous notion of raising spending to the level of 6% of GDP, which for Ireland would mean over 10 billion euros. He appears to have grandiose plans for Europe on the world stage, and would rather not let Ireland stand in his way."

Regardless of how much he will achieve, Article 42.3 provisions on improving capability will mean added expenditure for the State. The government certainly has not made any estimates on defence spending increases part of their campaign for a "Yes" in the referendum.
Mrs. Sinnott added "It is futile for the Minister for Finance to claim that we are neutral and pretend we will not be asked to pay our fair share under Lisbon requirements, especially when our per capita income is 40% higher than the EU average, and our tax rate is so much lower."