Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 5

Priority Questions. - Security and Defence Policy.

Ray Burke

Question:

5 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's reaction to a report adopted by the EU Committee on Foreign Affairs, Security and Defence Policy which calls on the EU to define its armaments policy, to consolidate as a defence entity and for the Western European Union to define the material needed for achieving common foreign and security policy objectives; whether the Government supports the development of the Western European Union as the instrument for implementation of a common foreign and security policy in view of its first strike nuclear capability; and whether the Government supports the allocation of EU budget credits to the arms industry made in the report. [7469/97]

Mr. Spring

I understand that the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, Security and Defence Policy recently adopted a report on the challenges facing the European defence-related industry, but that the report has not yet been considered by the European Parliament in plenary session. The main thrust of the report in support of a European armaments policy is not new: the European Parliament has, over the years, repeatedly advocated the development of European armaments co-operation. The European Parliament is of course competent to consider and make recommendations on these issues, although they remain primarily within the purview of the member states.

The Government's approach to the issue of armaments derives in the first instance from our strong and enduring commitment to disarmament and arms control. Our primary concern, therefore, will be to ensure that any developments in this area are consistent with our priorities in disarmament and arms control and our overall approach to international peace and security. We wish to ensure also that any development of co-operation related to armaments includes a strengthening of arms export control policies at the level of the European Union. The Government will continue to work for enhanced EU co-operation on arms export policy to achieve the maximum possible transparency and restraint in arms transfers.

As regards the Western European Union's nuclear policy, this is a matter for the Western European Union full members in the context of their mutual defence commitment and, therefore, does not arise in the context of the relationship between the EU and Western European Union. In relation to the development of the Western European Union as an instrument for the implementation of aspects of the European Union's common foreign and security policy, I recall that this is already provided for in Article J.4.2 of the Maastricht Treaty, which was signed in 1992 by the current leader of Fianna Fáil on behalf of the Irish Government and subsequently ratified by the Irish people in a referendum.

Mr. R. Burke

Will the Minister comment on the new year statement by the Taoiseach who indicated his wish for the year was the development of a federal Europe and the development of a common defence policy? Is that Government policy or the wish merely of the Taoiseach?

Mr. Spring

I am not sure if the Deputy is attributing the remarks correctly to the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach as the leader of the second largest party is entitled to express his views on how he sees European developing in the long term.

Mr. R. Burke

I take it from that reply the Taoiseach was speaking as leader of the party but not as the Taoiseach and that the Minister does not share the view of the development of a common defence policy, as expressed by the Taoiseach.

Mr. Spring

There are no differences between the Government parties in relation to the development of a common foreign and security policy. We have no difficulty in subscribing to the undertakings given in the Maastricht Treaty by Deputy Ahern on behalf of the Irish people.

Mr. R. Burke

Does the Government recognise that the allocation of EU budget credits to the arms industry, made in a report adopted by the EU Committee on Foreign Affairs, Security and Defence Policy is indicative of a consistent effort to boost research and development into weaponry in the EU, to enhance the EU market share of the international arms trade and to place new arms contracts in the EU? Some 30 per cent of the trade is with the developing world and it flies contrary to all the expressed views in relation to such things as the protection of human rights.

An Ceann Comhairle

This should not lead to debate.

Mr. R. Burke

Will the Minister agree it should not be the policy of the European Union to export arms to the developing world?

Mr. Spring

The Deputy raised many questions. Ireland has always been committed to disarmament and arms control as the key element of our efforts to promote international peace and security. We have promoted efforts in the UN, OSCE and EU to encourage maximum transparency and restraint in international arms transfers. That has been the consistent policy of all Irish Governments. The European Commission acting on its own authority sent, in January 1996, a formal communication summarising developments and challenges in this area to the Council of Ministers, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The report of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, Security and Defence Policy is in part the European Parliament's response to the Commission's communication. The Commission's communication points to the arguments for further restructuring of the arms industry as it exists within the EU and proposed a range of responses essentially based on existing Union policies. Ireland's approach would take this into account. We have outlined our policy in the White Paper, there are policy options which are supported by all parties in the House.

Mr. R. Burke

The Minister has spoken about the widely diverging views on the control of the EU armaments industry, thereby shirking responsibility for taking action. Does the Government agree that the formulation of general guidelines and multilateral agreements governing the transfer and sale of weapons should be given priority at EU level? We should have such a policy.

Mr. Spring

We favour a system of licences for the legitimate transfer of arms. This was set out by many MEPs in their contributions to the debate. That would be a better way of ensuring transparency in the transfer of arms.