Helen McEntee

Money Moves

Has expressed interest in SAFE's second round

The European Commission approved Hungary's €5.4 billion defence loan on October 28, closing the first round of the EU's €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme. Nineteen countries have had plans approved for about €129 billion, leaving slightly more than €21 billion in the pool.

Updated Nov 1

Rule Changes

Steering the triple-lock reform through the Oireachtas; wants Irish personnel back on Operation Irini once the law changes

Ireland's Dáil passed the Defence (Amendment) Bill by 79 votes to 71 on October 21, the first stage of removing the United Nations Security Council's veto over where Irish soldiers deploy. The bill swaps the UN mandate requirement for a broader 'relevant international force' definition, which would let troops join European Union and OSCE missions without Security Council approval.

Updated Oct 24