Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2004
32 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which European defence and security commitments are evolving with particular reference to Ireland’s role in such structures in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14622/04]
View answerI am pleased to confirm to the Deputy that, as is reflected in conclusions adopted at this month's meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, European defence and security commitments as they arise in the context of the EU's European Security and Defence Policy, ESDP, are continuing to develop in a positive and constructive way. Ireland's role in the evolution of ESDP is also developing in a similarly positive manner and in accordance with our traditional policy of military neutrality.
In keeping with established practice, the Irish Presidency will be submitting a progress report on ESDP issues for adoption by the June General Affairs and External Relations Council, prior to onward transmission to the European Council. The report will reflect how, in our capacity as EU Presidency, we have sought to facilitate enhancement of the EU's ability to engage as a force for peace through peacekeeping and crisis management missions, particularly in support of the United Nations.
EU-UN relations in the area of peacekeeping and crisis management are advancing well. Since the September 2003 Joint EU-UN Declaration on these issues, detailed consideration has been given to the scope for EU rapid deployment capacity to be made available in support of the UN. I hope to see concrete results achieved in this regard by the end of June 2004.
In addition to EU police missions which are currently under way in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, solid progress has also been made on planning for the anticipated EU follow-on mission to the current UN authorised NATO led SFOR mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Progress is also being made in the area of EU support for development of peacekeeping/crisis management capacity by the African Union and other African regional organisations. The EU's own capabilities for both military and civilian crisis management are also being advanced, including in the area of planning. Proposals for further development of such capabilities over the longer term are also being taken forward.
Security and defence issues also remain under consideration at EU level in the context of ongoing discussions on the draft constitutional treaty. While the overall negotiations on the draft treaty have yet to be concluded, I am satisfied that the security and defence provisions are developing in a manner which is fully consistent with the Government's position on Ireland's non-participation in a mutual defence commitment, as set out in our national declaration at the Seville European Council in June 2002.
