Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Jul 1992

Vol. 422 No. 4

Written Answers. - Common European Security Policy.

Ivor Callely

Question:

203 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline Ireland's involvement to date in common European security policy and whether the recognition in the European Union Treaty that certain member states are not, and do not have to be, members of any military alliance, is a clear understanding and acceptance by our European partners of Ireland's traditional neutrality position.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews):

European Political Co-operation (EPC), as a system of consultation and co-ordination on foreign policy questions among the member states, was already in existence when Ireland acceded to membership of the Community in 1973. These arrangements were placed on a Treaty basis in the Single European Act, which came into effect in 1987.

Under the provisions of the Single European Act, the member states have co-ordinated their positions on the political and economic aspects of security. This has led,inter alia, to the adoption of common positions of the Twelve on a number of disarmament and non-proliferation issues at the United Nations and in other international fora. Ireland has participated in all discussions in the EPC framework since becoming a member of the Community in 1973.

Under the new Treaty on European Union, the common foreign and security policy will address security questions in the broadest sense. The new Treaty does not empower the European Union to act in the defence area nor does it require member states to become a member of the Western European Union or any military alliance. Where issues with defence implications arise, these may be elaborated and implemented in the Western European Union at the request of the European Union.

The Treaty does not alter Ireland's position as a country outside military alliances. The terms of Article J.4 (4), which states that "the policy of the Union in accordance with this article shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain member states", constitute an additional safeguard for Ireland's position and will ensure that our traditional policy will not be prejudiced by actions or decisions of the Union.