For many years, strategic studies which include an international dimension have been undertaken within various branches of Defence Forces headquarters arising from United Nations service and, more recently, CSCE. In the interests of rationalisation, the military authorities have arranged that, in future, the Military College in the Curragh will develop a central role in the conduct and co-ordination of such studies.
The topics for study in the Military College are left to the discretion of the competent military authorities in accordance with general policy. The study which has given rise to comment was chosen by the military authorities. It is essentially an academic exercise. It is not the practice to seek Ministerial approval for each and every academic study conducted at the College.
In the course of the recent referendum campaign, the normal activities of the Military College in the Curragh have been the subject of mischievous speculation. I wish to emphasise that studies conducted at the college are not a factor in influencing the conduct of Ireland's international relations with the European Community or any other organisation.
Government policy regarding the Western European Union visualises attendance in an observer capacity. A relationship with NATO does not arise.
