144 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expand on his speech to the National Forum on Europe in March 2003 when he stated that Ireland would be open to the idea of a solidarity clause in a new EU treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10118/03
My speech to the National Forum on Europe of 6 March covered a range of issues relating to the ongoing work of the Convention on the Future of Europe and to recommendations contained in the separate reports by the external relations and defence working groups of the convention. I have arranged for a copy of the speech to be placed in the Oireachtas Library.
The particular reference raised by the Deputy relates to the Government's position that Ireland should be open to the idea of a possible solidarity clause that would assist in the EU's response to emergency situations and new threats arising from terrorist and non-state entities directed against civilian populations and democratic institutions situated within EU territory.
As I have underlined previously, the idea that in the event of an emergency the Union would be in a position to mobilise all of its assets, and call on those of its member states, both civilian and military, is very much in keeping with our own traditions. In principle, Austria, Finland and Sweden also support a solidarity clause along these lines.
The idea of a solidarity and common security clause, extending beyond such emergency situations, would be more problematic, especially if it was in the direction of a mutual defence clause. Again, it will be necessary to maintain a clear distinction between emergency arrangements arising from natural or man-made disasters and more hard defence issues. In this latter regard, and as stated in my speech of 6 March, Ireland's constitutional position is unambiguous. Ireland cannot join a common defence without the approval of the Irish people in a referendum.
My comments to the National Forum on Europe should be seen in that context. Much in this area will hinge on the content of the draft treaty provisions which are shortly expected to emerge out of the convention and on subsequent negotiations in the framework of the forthcoming intergovernmental conference.
