Charles Flanagan
Question:11 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans, if any, he has to meet with the Austrian ambassador to Ireland. [12838/00]
Ceisteanna–Questions. Priority Questions. - Diplomatic Representation.
John Bruton
Question:35 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether relations with the Austrian Administration should be judged on its polices, declarations and actions rather than on the past statements by some of its personalities; his assessment of the policies, declarations and actions of the Austrian Government since its coming into office; if these policies, declarations and actions justify the continued diplomatic isolation of Austria; and, if not, the steps, if any, the Government will take in this regard. [9391/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 35 together.
The Government is applying the measures agreed by the Fourteen in respect of Austria as announced on 31 January by the Portuguese Presidency. Consistent with the terms of the Fourteen's measures, close contact with the Austrian authorities has continued and we have endeavoured to ensure that the fundamentals of our close relations with the Austrian authorities have continued. The new Austrian Government has been in office since 4 February. Mr. Jörg Haider has resigned as party leader of the Freedom Party and at its party conference on 1 May the Freedom Party committed itself to a statement reaffirming the common principles of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.
The question of the measures of the Fourteen was raised by the Austrian Foreign Minister in the course of an informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in the Azores last weekend, which was attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. In the debate that followed a number of speakers, including Ireland, saw a need to reflect on the situation with a view to its resolution. It is clear, however, that the issue remains a very sensitive one. The presence of a far right party in the Government is a matter of legitimate concern. Some partners, for understandable historical reasons, have taken a strong stand on this issue. No specific meetings between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Austrian ambassador are planned.
Is the Minister of State aware of a legal document in circulation which was reported on in the Bar Review recently, which indicates clearly that the action taken against Austria was illegal and a totally improper precedent to set because the proper treaty provisions were not used? When does she anticipate that this illegal action will be brought to a conclusion?
I am aware of that document but we do not accept that illegal action was taken by the Union. The measures announced by the Portuguese Presidency on 31 January were agreed after full consultation with partners at prime ministerial level. The reaction of the 14 member states was measured which reflected the strong commitment to fundamental values and norms which underpin the social and political fabric of Europe.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs was among those who attended a recent informal meeting of Foreign Ministers who called for partners to reflect on the situation with a view to working towards a resolution. We must, however, understand the views of other partners which, for historical reasons, have taken a particularly ideological and strong stand on this issue. The Minister has said it is time for all concerned to reflect on the situation while not taking any hasty or ill-judged measures. The measures were agreed by the 14 member states and it would be best if the matter could be resolved in a collective manner, agreeable to all. The measures agreed were a reaction based on the fundamental principles of the EU and that is undeniable. The presence of a far right party in the Austrian Government is a matter of legitimate concern. Ireland at all times will act in its best interests as an EU partner which values it relations with other member states.
Does the Minister of State agree that Austria is also a partner and that it has been treated in a wholly unacceptable manner? On numerous occasions I have condemned the views of Mr. Haider and his associates. Does she agree that a precedent has been established whereby Ireland has been frog-marched into this situation by those with particular interests to advance on their domestic agendas?
Does the Minister of State agree that at some future date, God forbid, Deputy P. O'Neill might be about to become Minister for Defence and, at the instigation of a foreign Government, the European Union might decide to take a stance which it has no right to take? The EU has illegally bypassed a number of its own institutions in this case. Does she further agree that officials in other European Union states are receiving the ambassadors of Austria while officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs are refusing to do so, an action which goes well beyond what is required under the agreement?
I reiterate the Government's view that the action taken by the fourteen was balanced. The relevant political personalities in Austria were aware of the attitude of partners before the measures of 31 January were adopted. These measures came into effect on 4 February when the new Austrian Government, including the Freedom Party, entered office and were not intended to and do not have any effect in law. As stated earlier, a number of decisions were reached last weekend when Foreign Ministers met in informal session to reflect on this issue.
To reflect on how to get themselves off the hook.
As already stated, no Ministers have met Austrian ambassadors although I recently met the Austrian ambassador at a social occasion. There are no formal contacts between the Austrian ambassador and the Government.
Does the Minister believe the EU would have responded similarly if a similar party had been elected to Government in France, Germany or Britain?
I cannot speculate about that. All I can say is that there was full consultation among the 14 member states before the action was taken.
Bully-boy tactics.
Will the Minister of State indicate the principles upon which the reflection will take place? On what principles was the full consultation between the fourteen based? How could the situation be changed by the simple retirement of Herr Haider from the leadership of the Freedom Party?
The concept of reflecting on the matter was brought to my attention today and it was only decided upon at the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers at the weekend. Some concerns have been expressed at the open-ended nature of the arrangements which were agreed by the fourteen and certain countries, including Ireland, are willing to consider the practical implications of the measures which were announced. That is the current situation and we will continue to report new developments to the House.
I believe legitimate concerns remain in respect of the participation in government of the Freedom Party.
There are people in this country who do not agree with the policies of the Progressive Democrats.
I am aware that Deputy Mitchell has political affiliations with a number of parties—
The trouble here is that the Government is being—
The trouble is that Fine Gael is not in government.
—led by the nose and has no foreign policy.
We must proceed to Question No. 12.
I already know the answer to Question No. 12, which deals with European defence policy. Again, the Government has no policy in this area.