Vol. 542 No. 2
199 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in the current international situation, he has sought assistance from his European colleagues in regard to defence and security matters with particular reference to air and sea surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24347/01]
200 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had at European Union level in regard to European defence and security and Ireland's potential participation therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24348/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together.
In the context of my participation in meetings of the General Affairs Council and of the European Council, and also during bilateral meetings, I have had regular discussions with my EU ministerial counterparts on European security and defence policy as it has developed in accordance with the provisions of the Amsterdam Treaty and relevant European Council conclusions.
Throughout these discussions it has been indicated that any military involvement of more than 12 armed personnel by Ireland in a Petersberg Task would be on the basis of a sovereign decision by the Irish Government as well as being subject to a UN mandate being in place and approval by Dáil Éireann as required by relevant Irish legislation. These points are accepted by our EU partners.
Ireland's ongoing participation in the development of European security and defence policy is fully consistent with our policy of non-membership of military alliances and our commitment to international peace and security. I have made no requests for assistance from other EU member states in the areas mentioned by the Deputy.
