I welcome the Deputy's interest in matters relating to demilitarisation. His question is best answered through reference to Irish Presidency achievements in the areas of conflict prevention and civilian aspects of EU crisis management activity. Conflict prevention has been a central element of Ireland's EU Presidency work programme and was the subject of a report by the Presidency approved by the June European Council. Covering the period of the Irish and Italian Presidencies and drawing on the outcome of the conflict prevention conference held in Dublin from 31 March to 2 April, this report can be considered the most substantive document on EU conflict prevention activities since the Swedish Presidency's EU programme for the prevention of violent conflicts of 2001. Against the background of recommendations contained in the European security strategy setting, the report sets out an analysis of EU activities in the conflict prevention area and identifies the significant challenges that remain in addressing root causes of conflict, escalation of conflict and post-conflict stabilisation. The report underlines the need to undertake further work in the area of early warning and to examine more closely the link between security and development. It recommends that work on conflict prevention takes account of the broader preventative agenda, as set out in the European security strategy. I am satisfied that a firm basis now exists for ongoing work on these issues under the incoming Dutch Presidency and beyond.
I am also pleased to report that Irish EU Presidency has made very significant progress towards ensuring a continuing and appropriate balance between military and non-military aspects of European security and defence policy, ESDP. In particular, agreement was reached with our EU partners on a specific Irish initiative which has resulted in adoption by the European Council of an important and substantive action plan on civilian aspects of ESDP. A further EU capabilities conference in this area will take place in November. As regards military aspects of European security and defence policy, I underline to the Deputy that these relate to the issues of peace-keeping and crisis management. Solid progress was also made in this area under the Irish Presidency, including through agreement on how such EU capabilities could be deployed in support of the United Nations. Ireland will continue to have the possibility to take part in EU crisis management operations, authorised by the United Nations, on a case-by-case basis.
Finally, I am happy to assure the Deputy that the status of neutral states within the EU, including Ireland, has remained fully upheld and accepted by the entire Union membership throughout our Presidency.