Written Answers. - Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
23
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will report on changes requested by Ireland to the articles on Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defence Policy in the draft EU constitutional treaty during the course of the Intergovernmental Conference negotiations to date; and if he will report on which of these requested changes have been accepted and incorporated, in keeping with his commitment before Dáil Éireann on 15 October 2003, to keep the Members fully informed of developments at the Intergovernmental Conference.
[30390/03]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:
40
Mr. Gogarty
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if Ireland's neutrality will be affected by the mutual defence provisions of the new EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[30505/03]
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:
41
Mr. Cuffe
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the person who will authorise military operations under structured co-operation in the new EU constitution; if Ireland intends joining structured co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[30504/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 40 and 41 together.
The Intergovernmental Conference – IGC – has discussed a number of proposals, which aim to enhance the effectiveness, coherence and visibility of the Union's external relations, including in the area of the common foreign and security policy, CFSP. The Government has played a full and active role in discussions on these proposals at the Intergovernmental Conference with the aim of achieving an outcome which would enable the Union to play a greater role for good internationally, consistent with the values and beliefs of the member states.
In keeping with Ireland's traditional foreign policy priorities, the Government ensured that appropriate reference to the United Nations, human rights, conflict prevention, development co-operation and environmental protection were included in the principles and objectives of the EU's external action as outlined in the draft constitution.
In the institutional area, the proposed Union Minister for Foreign Affairs offers the prospect of significantly enhancing the Union's contribution on the world stage. Together with a number of partners, we have worked to ensure that there are distinct and separate lines of accountability to the Council for the CFSP and to the Commission for other areas of external action. I believe that we have achieved the right balance in this regard.
The Government has also welcomed the proposal for a solidarity clause that would provide for assistance in response to a terrorist attack and natural or man-made disasters in a member state. Together with other member states, we sought assurance that decisions having military implications under the solidarity clause would be taken by unanimity and that it would be for each member state to determine how to respond to a request for assistance. The draft treaty now makes this clear and we have welcomed these changes.
The issue of decision making in the area of CFSP remains under consideration at the Intergovernmental Conference. I have acknowledged the need to ensure effective CFSP decision making in an enlarged Union while maintaining the right of all member states to play a full and equal role under the CFSP. The Presidency and some other member states wish to see a wider use of QMV for proposals made by the Foreign Minister. The convention proposed a limited extension of QMV in this area and, together with a number of other partners. I consider that this proposal should be retained.
Ireland has also participated fully in the discussions at the Intergovernmental Conference regarding security and defence aspects and, as has been accepted by our EU partners, it has been made clear that Ireland cannot join an EU common defence without the approval of the Irish people in a referendum.
Within this position, Ireland has otherwise sought to respond positively and constructively to the various proposals in the security and defence area. As required, we have sought clarification as to how the draft treaty provisions in question might operate. In this regard, and by way of a letter to my Italian Presidency counterpart on 20 October, I drew attention to a number of specific points in this area. A copy of the letter is available for consultation on my Department's website,www.irlgov.ie/iveagh, as are all of the Government's submissions and contributions to the European Convention and the Intergovernmental Conference.
More recently, in conjunction with the other neutral and non-aligned EU member states – Finland, Sweden and Austria – Ireland proposed alternative language on Presidency proposals for an EU mutual defence clause which would be consistent with our respective security policies and constitutional requirements.
The Italian Presidency received these and other proposals from participants in the Intergovernmental Conference on a range of issues. In turn, the Presidency has this week presented further proposals on the outstanding aspects, including in the security and defence area. In summary terms, the proposals now include a reference to the fact that the clause dealing with mutual defence shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain member states. The inclusion of this reference marks a considerable improvement from an Irish perspective. It would mean that, in the event of a member state coming under attack, we would continue, as now, to determine our own response, consistent with our own constitutional and legal requirements.
As regards structured co-operation, it is anticipated that this would be used to develop member states' defence capabilities in the context of humanitarian and crisis management, or Petersberg task, operations. It would operate on an opt-in basis, with no obligation to participate, and would be established by the council using QMV. The criteria for participation, and the areas for co-operation, are set out in a draft protocol, which includes a reference to capabilities being used at the request of the UN.
Throughout the discussions at the Intergovernmental Conference on security and defence issues the Government, together with a number of other member states, has held the position that any new arrangements should be based on openness, inclusivity and accountability. The Presidency proposal on structured co-operation reflects these general principles and can be supported by Ireland. The focus on the development of capabilities in the context of Petersberg task operations, as well as EU support for the UN in crisis management, is welcome.
Ireland has a proven track record in peacekeeping and crisis management, most recently demonstrated by our participation in the UN operation in Liberia. It should be possible to agree arrangements within the EU that facilitate the diversity of contributions that all partners can bring to this area.
