Trevor Sargent
Question:102 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is considering proposals to enshrine neutrality in the Constitution. [17914/01]
Vol. 538 No. 3
102 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is considering proposals to enshrine neutrality in the Constitution. [17914/01]
The Government remains firmly committed to Ireland's policy of military neutrality. It is a policy which has been espoused by successive Irish Governments and has as a core defining characteristic non-membership of military alliances. This policy of military neutrality has gone hand in hand with a strong commitment to international co-operation for peace and stability, as evidenced by Ireland's participation in UN mandated peacekeeping operations. The Defence Acts provide that Ireland would only take part in missions which are specifically authorised by the UN and on the basis of a sovereign case by case decision by the Government, subject to the approval of this House.