asked the Taoiseach if he has given consideration to the introduction of a constitutional amendment enshrining the absolute commitment of Ireland to military neutrality; and if he will outline the Government's position on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Neutrality.
1.
I have no proposal to initiate a constitutional amendment on the lines suggested by the Deputy. The Government will, however, continue the policy of preserving Ireland's position outside military alliances.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the Labour Party's policy in Government, and I quote from their November 1982 policy document:
Irish neutrality must be strengthened by protecting it in our Constitution.
Is it the Government's intention to ignore the views of the Labour Party in Coalition?
Our position in Government is to carry out our Programme of Government and each of our parties have joined together on the common ground we share, which is set out in the Fine Gael/Labour Programme for Government of December 1982. That makes it clear that the Government will preserve Ireland's neutral position outside military alliances.
In view of the Taoiseach's apparent ambivalance and his reluctance to use the word "neutrality" in speeches, when he goes to Stuttgart will he indicate to the leaders of the Community our position on neutrality and make a statement on it?
I will state my responsibilities in that matter. I have never left anybody in doubt, whether as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Leader of the Opposition or as Taoiseach, where my party and the country stand. The Deputy will be aware of his own party's position, although some of the comments might seem not to make that clear. His party's position has been set out in a speech by his leader in which he said that they were neither ideologically neutral nor politically indifferent. He said that in the event of the European States being organised into a full political union, they would accept the obligations, even if they included defence, and that they could not and would not wish to opt out of the obligations and aims inherent in the achievement of the ideal of European unity. I take it the Deputy subscribes to his own party's policy.
The Taoiseach is aware that when his Minister for Defence was in the Seanad he indicated his support for alignment with NATO and for participating in that organisation?
That is another question for another time.
Will the Taoiseach assure the House that his Government are united on the policy he outlined, or is he just making it up as he goes along?
I can assure the Deputy that we are united in our policy. As to the unity of purpose between the Deputy and his leader, I am not entirely clear in view of his party's policy, which I read out.