Vol. 573 No. 3
157 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence if, at the EU meetings of Defence Ministers, there have been discussions on the role of nuclear weapons in the EU's evolving defence role; if his Department has a view on such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25384/03]
Meetings of Defence Ministers provide an opportunity for Ministers to discuss progress on the development of the European Security and Defence Policy and in particular the development of the EU's capability to carry out Petersberg Tasks, that is, humanitarian, crisis management and peace support operations. The development of the EU's ability to respond to nuclear, chemical or biological emergencies has arisen in that context. Nuclear weapons have not been discussed at ministerial meetings.
