A former Sinn Féín TD for Laois has been appointed to the National Security and Defence Committee.

Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley welcomed this appointment, calling for military neutrality and the strengthening of Ireland's military.

“I Welcome the opportunity to be part of this important committee, this comes at a crucial time for both our Foreign policy and our Defence as a State," the Portlaoise based TD said.

Pictured: Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley

"The ongoing attempts by the Taoiseach Michael Martin to abolish the “Triple Lock” and draw us into a military alliance must be countered.

"Our military neutrality has served us well and has allowed us to be a credible voice at the UN and on the world stage for countries like Palestine, that are being occupied and whose population are facing genocide," he said.

Deputy Stanley argued that Ireland's defence as a State must be improved, meaning 'the bringing up of our army to full strength' and having a 'functioning and fully equipped' Navy and Air Force.

"It's essential that our undersea telecommunications and electricity infrastructure are protected," the Deputy argued.

Pictured: Deputy Stanley during last November's General Election count in Laois

"The risk of cyber-attacks by hostile States and International criminals was brought home to all of us when we had the large-scale cyber-attack on our HSE computer systems in May 2021.

"Our country must have the capacity to counter such attacks, which can have catastrophic consequences for Public Services and State Security," he said.

The Deputy concluded by saying this new Committee will have to ensure that all these matters 'and much more' are dealt with fully. 

In Dáíl Éireann, the three TDs representing Laois are all on various Oireachtas Committees.

Fine Gael TD Willie Aird is to sit on the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food and the Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Affairs.