Written Answers. - Intergovernmental Conference on Political Union.
Eric J. Byrne
Question:
48
Mr. Byrne
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will outline the Government's position on the joint submission made by the French and German Governments to the EC's Intergovernmental Conference on Political Union which envisages the abolition of restriction confining EC discussions on security matters to the political and economic aspects of security; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Roger T. Garland
Question:
103
Mr. Garland
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will outline his attitude to the Franco-German proposals to link the Western European Union and the European Communities; if he intends to rule out any possibility of Ireland agreeing to such proposals in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Roger T. Garland
Question:
104
Mr. Garland
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will make a statement on the effects of political union on Irish neutrality.
Roger T. Garland
Question:
105
Mr. Garland
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will outline his views on the principle of a common EC security policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Roger T. Garland
Question:
106
Mr. Garland
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will outline his views on the principle of a common EC defence policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Roger T. Garland
Question:
107
Mr. Garland
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will outline his views on the principle of a common EC foreign policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:
111
Mr. J. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will outline Ireland's response to the questionnaire on EC Political Union issued by the president of the Intergovernmental Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:
112
Mr. J. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will outline Ireland's attitude to the Franco-German proposal involving the integration of the Western European Union into the EC; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 111 and 112 together.
The Intergovernmental Conference on Political Union has been under way for some two months now and a large number of proposals on various issues have been put forward. These include the Franco-German proposals referred to by the Deputies and a Presidency questionnaire designed to draw together more coherently the various themes which are emerging.
I do not think it would be desirable to go into detail on the many proposals which are still taking shape in what is a continuing negotiation. I can however give the Deputies an account of our position in more general terms on the major issues which have emerged so far at the conference, which include those referred to in the questions.
We have already made it clear that we accept the objective of a common foreign and security policy and are prepared to work towards it on the understanding that the institutions of the Community and the Twelve as we now develop them, would be the primary forum for the working out of such a policy.
At the Rome European Council of 14-15 December last, we joined with our partners in working out guidelines and general principles which would govern such a policy. These are still relevant. They 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 guidelines 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. But it was made clear that this would 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. It was also agreed that the idea of a commitment by member states to provide mutual assistance as well as proposals put forward by some member states on the future of Western European Union should also be addressed.
The objective of the Intergovernmental Conference now under way is to see how far the necessary consensus can be reached on provisions for a common foreign and security policy based on these principles which we have already agreed.
One important issue is whether a common foreign and security policy can be introduced gradually. We take the view that it can. Another important issue is whether, when the new policy comes into operation, decisions should be by majority voting or by consensus. Our view has been that it would be only realistic at this stage where sensitive issues are being brought into the domain of common Twelve policy for the first time, to provide for decision by consensus. We would also see no objection to various proposals for an improved institutional framework to implement the proposed new policy. This could involve decision-making by a single Council covering the present responsibilities of the Council of Ministers and of European Political Co-operation; a single Secretariat to cover both areas and adequate procedures for consulting the European Parliament.
The joint working paper submitted for discussion at the Conference by France and Germany proposed among other things, a role for the Western European Union (WEU), to which nine member states belong. The role proposed is that of a channel between the future Political Union and NATO. In this regard I would only say at this point, that if there is to be a common security policy of the political union towards which we are now working it is our view that it should be formulated together by the Twelve in accordance with principles which they have worked out together as its basis.
Our approach on these matters was stated by the Taoiseach, in the Dáil on 1 November 1990 when he reiterated a position which reflects also the position of previous Governments. On that occasion he said 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.
