Vol. 412 No. 3
41 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in the event of a conflict or war affecting a European Community member state, he will outline the role he envisages for Ireland in defence of another member state; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Treaties establishing the European Communities and the Single European Act do not entail any military or defence commitments and no such commitments are involved in Ireland's acceptance of these Treaties. In the hypothetical situation to which the Deputy refers, Ireland would have the right to refrain from acting in any way which might affect its status as a country not belonging to a military alliance involving a mutual defence commitment. In so far as our political conduct is concerned I would envisage that in such a situation we would take account of the circumstances of any conflict, the degree of political and economic integration achieved in the Community and the solidarity amongst member states on which progress towards political union is based.
