Brendan Howlin
Question:127 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the role he anticipates playing in meetings of EU Defence Ministers during the course of the Irish Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25249/03]
Other Questions. - EU Presidency.
Two meetings of EU Defence Ministers will be held during Ireland's Presidency of the European Union. The first meeting will take place in Brussels on 5 and 6 April 2004 while the second will be held in the framework of the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 17 and 18 May 2004. Similar meetings between Defence Ministers have taken place over the course of previous Presidencies. As I have reported to the House following my attendance at those meetings, they have been a useful forum for Ministers to exchange views on the continued development of the European security and defence policy.
In chairing the aforementioned meetings I will be conscious of the highly significant event that will be marked during our Presidency when the European Union will complete the process of enlargement to 25 member states on 1 May 2004. While the ten accession states have been attending recent Defence Ministers meetings, I will be anxious to ensure these countries are suitably assimilated into our ongoing dialogue. In this regard I expect a significant feature of the meetings, which I will chair, will relate to the contributions that the accession states can make to the European Union's efforts to develop its capabilities to carry out humanitarian, peacekeeping and crisis management operations, that is, the Petersberg tasks.
Deputies will be aware of the significant progress that has already been made since the headline goal was agreed at Helsinki in 1999. In this regard, the conclusions of the Thessaloníki European Council held in June 2003 included a statement that the European Union had operational capability across the full range of Petersberg tasks, limited and constrained by recognised shortfalls. I will be anxious to continue the work of the Italian Presidency in ensuring a pragmatic approach to addressing these shortfalls is maintained.
I am also conscious of the opportunity which the Presidency brings in terms of increasing public awareness of the European Union and the positive contribution Ireland makes to the development of the Union. In particular, we will have the opportunity to increase appreciation of the contribution which the Union has made towards improving peace and stability, particularly in the Balkans, and will continue to play in preventing conflict in support of the United Nations in areas of the world where there are tensions and instability.
Does the Minister agree that he will be in a delicate position as Minister of a neutral country when he chairs meetings which will be made up largely of Defence Ministers of NATO countries?
That is an extraordinary question. We have been a member of the European Union for more than 30 years. We are a military neutral country and have been joined by Finland, Austria and Sweden. Our military neutrality has not been compromised and NATO countries have not tried to force us into a position where we could not keep our laws or respect for the Constitution. We have been good partners and gained immeasurably from accession to the European Union. Our trade has expanded enormously while employment levels have increased dramatically. We have not compromised our fundamental principles.
What steps will the Minister take to ensure Irish neutrality is not compromised? Will he outline the number of meetings which will be held in this country?
I am anxious to bring some people to my constituency, although I am not sure if that will happen. There will be two ministerial meetings next year of the type referred to by the Deputy. He can rest assured that we will not be placed under any pressure on this issue. The European Union members know and understand our stance. However, this has not prevented us from providing troops for peacekeeping missions on four continents. We are now preparing to go to Liberia. We are the only European partner going there. We are proud of what the Defence Forces do in all of these areas. We have learned from that partnership and have received a lot of co-operation. Such co-operation is necessary between the various contingents which serve our country in trouble and war torn places because of the type of armaments used and the difficulties they can experience.
The Minister said there would be two meetings next year. Will they be informal or formal meetings? What is the difference between informal and formal Defence Ministers meetings? Will the Minister support the proposed EU security strategy of the high representative, Javier Solana, which will extend the Petersberg tasks?
As the Deputy knows, a decision has not been taken on that issue. The Government's stance is clear. Humanitarian missions, peacekeeping and crisis management, that is, the Petersberg tasks, will engage the type of resources we have to the limit. The difference between informal and formal meetings is that the formal meetings take place in the External Relations and General Affairs Council with Foreign Affairs Ministers, while informal meetings take place only with Defence Ministers.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.