asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to enter into bilateral or multilateral discussions with Ministers for Foreign Affairs within Europe who support neutrality with a view to co-ordinating Ireland's position with that of other neutral States in the run-up to the next phase of detailed discussions on détente and security and arms reduction within Europe: and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Neutrality Policy.
53.
I presume that the Deputy is referring to discussions and negotiations in the context of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE).
As we have previously done in this area, Ireland will participate in co-ordination among the member states of the European Community in all relevant areas covered by European Political Co-operation (EPC) or under Community competence. It would be inconsistent with this commitment to commit ourselves to formal co-ordination with another group. In the security field, co-operation and co-ordination within EPC involves the political and economic, but not the military, aspects of security.
We will, of course, continue to maintain close informal contacts at all levels with the neutral and non-aligned states in Europe and work closely with them in pursuing the many objectives which we share in the CSCE process.