andMr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will define the basic components of Ireland's foreign policy on neutrality and how he proposes to promote that policy in the coming year having regard to the deterioration in international relations between the Western and Eastern major powers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Neutrality Policy.
14.
Ireland is not a member of a military alliance or of any organisation which has military or defence arrangements.
We are, of course, as a member state of the European Community committed to European integration. That policy was endorsed by the overwhelming majority of the electorate in the referendum of May 1972.
Our commitment to European integration also involves a commitment to European political co-operation—an arrangement by which the nine member states of the Community consult with one another on foreign policy issues and seek to establish a common view on major world problems. We have played, and will continue to play, our full part in that process.
The fact that the other member states of the Community are also members of a major alliance has not been a source of any problems for us in the political co-operation framework and indeed there has never been any pressure brought to bear on us to join the military alliance of which they are also members.
It is clear that the policy followed by successive Irish Governments in remaining outside military alliances does not imply that we are indifferent to the major issues which face the international community as a whole. On the contrary our policy has been to work as far as we can for a world in which order and justice will increasingly prevail, and where the very grave dangers which arise from the present high level of armaments and from international conflicts and rivalries will be reduced.
Since joining the European Community Ireland has maintained—indeed we have been able to reinforce—our traditional policy of advocating and working for the relaxation of international tensions. This policy is founded on an appreciation of the dangerous inadequacy of any system of international security which relies principally on military strength or strategy for its success. We have always believed that in the long term peace can only be assured through the creation of an atmosphere of trust reinforced by a strong and reliable network of exchanges in the economic, cultural and human rights fields, which will make partnership and mutual interest the basis for relations between states.
We will continue to urge at the United Nations and elsewhere respect for the sovereignty and independence of all states and we will do what we can to promote respect for human rights and to encourage more rapid progress with arms control and disarmament measures.
I can assure the Deputies that these positive aims of working for a world in which order and justice will increasingly prevail will continue to be pursued by this Government with our partners in the European Community and in cooperation with like-minded states at the United Nations and in other international bodies.
Could I have an assurance that, in the event of this country being put under pressure to join the military alliance of NATO, there will be a full and open debate in this House prior to any agreement being entered into?
That question is entirely hypothetical because no such pressure or suggestion has been made by any State or group of States.
Could the Minister give us a hypothetical assurance in that case?
Question No. 15, please.
Will the Minister comment on the fact that Ireland was not invited to the conference of non-aligned countries last year? Will the Minister agree that this indicates that in the eyes of most other non-aligned countries we are not non-aligned and that it would be a good idea to clarify the situation?
There is a difference between non-alignment and neutrality. The Deputy might think about that.
Perhaps the Minister will—
(Interruptions.)
——give us the benefit of his perception as to the difference between non-alignment and neutrality?
There are non-aligned groups, military groups and countries that are genuinely totally committed to neutrality and we happen to be one of those countries, of which there are very few.
(Interruptions.)
Order, please. Question No. 15.