Vol. 498 No. 1
130 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if his recent statement to RACO on Ireland's neutrality indicates that he favours Ireland's participation in Partnership for Peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26359/98]
The issue of Ireland's participation in Partnership for Peace, PFP, was set out by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in his reply to a question in the House on 5 November last and also in an article in The Irish Times on Saturday, 28 November 1998. I understand that he also answered further questions on the matter today. I concur fully with his views in relation to PFP.
The Government's intention at this stage is to try to enhance understanding and informed discussion of PFP and also to move that discussion away from the polarised views which have developed and grown around the issue in recent times. I see this as an entirely sensible and appropriate approach to the matter at this juncture.
