Vol. 406 No. 2
48 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline Ireland's position in relation to a recent EC submission to the Intergovernmental Conference on Political Union proposing the integration of the EC and the NATO body known as the Western European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The submission referred to by the Deputy is one of a number, oral and written, made to the Intergovernmental Conference on Political Union. This particular submission was made by the Commission. It proposes for consideration by the IGC a provision foreseeing the progressive integration of the Western European Union (WEU) into the European Political Union.
This proposal will, like all others made to the conference, be considered by Ireland in the light of the position of principle set out by the Taoiseach to the Dáil on 1 November last, to the effect that "if the Community were at some stage to embark on arrangements for its own security and with its own security concept, then Ireland as a fully committed member state would be willing to consider participation". It will also be examined in the light of the conclusions of the European Council of 14/15 December last which envisage that the common foreign and security policy would aim at maintaining peace and international stability, developing friendly relations with all countries, promoting democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and encouraging the economic development of all nations, while also bearing in mind the special relations of individual member states.
As regards common security, the Rome Conclusions envisage the gradual extension of the union's role in this area — in particular and initially with reference to issues debated in international organisations: arms control, disarmament and related issues; CSCE matters; certain questions debated in the United Nations, including peace-keeping operations; economic and technological co-operation in the armaments field; coordination of armaments export policy; and non-proliferation.
It was also agreed at Rome that, with a view to the future, the prospect of a role for the union in defence matters should be considered. This will be without prejudice to member states' existing obligations in this area, bearing in mind the importance of maintaining and strengthening the ties with the Atlantic alliance and without prejudice to the traditional positions of other member states. We regard this latter provision as important.
