asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the contents of a report on European security, prepared by the political committee of the European Parliament which advocated closer co-operation between the European Parliament and the Western European Union; and if, in the light of the threat that such a development would pose to Irish neutrality, he will make a statement on the Government's attitude to the report.
Written Answers. - Report on European Security.
18.
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the report of the Political Affairs Committee of the European Parliament known as the Galluzzi report. I am aware that this report calls for closer collaboration on defence matters between the EC and the Twelve on the one hand and the Western European Union on the other. The report and resolution are not binding on any Government. The Government cannot accept the report and resolution. The Government's position on this matter is that co-operation with our partners covers only the political and economic aspects of security. As set out in the Declaration made on the occasion of ratification of the Single European Act co-ordination of positions on the political and economic aspects of security does not include the military aspects of security or procurement for military purposes and does not affect Ireland's right to act or refrain from acting in any way which might affect Ireland's international status of military neutrality.