asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the level of security co-operation between Ireland's armed forces and the armed forces of other European Community States; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Army Co-operation with EC Armed Forces.
43.
As Ireland is not a member of any military alliance the question of security co-operation between the Defence Forces and the armed forces of other European Community states does not arise.
However, Ireland has for a number of years been a participant in the Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe which seeks to achieve more stable and secure relations between the 35 member states. Within the framework of that conference, Ireland is currently a participant in the negotiations on confidence and security building measures which opened in Vienna in March 1989. As part of this process officers of the Defence Forces attend as observers at military exercises conducted in various states in Europe.