Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2011
58 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland has now abandoned its own independent foreign policy on international conflicts; and if he will provide his position on NATO. [6468/11]
View answerIreland conducts its international relations in accordance with the values set out in Article 29 of the Constitution. These include commitment to the ideal of peace and friendly co-operation amongst nations founded on international justice and morality, adherence to the principle of the pacific settlement of international disputes, and acceptance of the generally recognised principles of international law. Ireland attaches considerable importance to the peaceful resolution of conflict and, together with other countries which share these values, works towards this end through its action in the United Nations, the European Union and other international obligations. Partly because of the history which has shaped us and our experience of the Northern Ireland peace process, we bring a distinctive perspective to the resolution of conflict around the world and I look forward to the opportunities which our Chairmanship of the OSCE next year will provide for a strengthened Irish contribution in this respect.
As a member of the United Nations and in accordance with the UN Charter, we also acknowledge that primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security rests with the UN Security Council, and we agree that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility the Council acts on behalf of all members. We take seriously the obligation we have assumed to give the organisation every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the Charter.
This obligation is reflected in our readiness to participate in a significant number of peace operations authorised by the United Nations, whether these are undertaken under direct UN command or are led by the European Union or by NATO, and in our support for the actions of other States acting in pursuit of and consistent with Security Council Resolutions.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland is not a member of NATO. I foresee no change in this position. Our relations with NATO are conducted within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) and Partnership for Peace (PfP), which we joined in 1999. The EAPC is a forum for consultation involving all PfP participants on a wide range of issues, from peacekeeping to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Participation in the PfP has also strengthened the ability of the Defence Forces to participate effectively and safely with other nations in UN-authorised operations.
