Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 1

Written Answers. - Common Security Policy.

Ivor Callely

Question:

58 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his policy on EC common security and defence; if discussions have taken place on a European common security or defence policy involving personnel from our Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Common Foreign and Security Policy established under the Maastricht Treaty will include all questions related to the security of the Union. It does not, however, establish a common defence policy or a common defence for the Union. Discussions and decisions on the scope and content of a common defence policy and on the question of a common defence are left to a future negotiation and another Inter-governmental Conference in 1996. Ireland has agreed to this in accordance with our long-standing commitment to our European partners that we would be prepared to enter into such a negotiation.

The results of that negotiation would have to be agreed unanimously by all the member states. Moreover, the Programme for a Partnership Government makes it clear that the outcome of any further negotiation that would involve Ireland's participation in a common defence policy will be put to the people in a referendum.

Discussions have been taking place in the framework of European Political Co-operation on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy once the Maastricht Treaty has entered into force. These discussions have identified potential areas for joint action by the Union under the provisions of Article J.3 of the Treaty and have considered elements for a policy of the Union in the security field. The first report from Foreign Ministers on the subject was endorsed at the Lisbon European Council last June and may be found at Annex I of the Conclusions of that Council, a copy of which is in the Dáil Library. A second report was agreed by Foreign Ministers in December and a copy of this has also been lodged in the Dáil Library. The discussions have not dealt with a defence policy for the Union and have not involved personnel from the Irish Defence Forces.