Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2015
7. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the impact that moves within the EU to a common security and foreign policy have had on the independence of Ireland's foreign policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2653/15]
View answerMy question relates to the development of the common security and foreign policy in the EU and the implications it has had for our independent foreign policy and the future.
In its foreign policy review published last week, the Government comprehensively set out its approach to international affairs and its continued support for a fairer and more just, secure and sustainable world through our development programme, human rights policies, peacekeeping, disarmament and security policies. In a globalised world, we work with other countries who share common values and interests so as to amplify our voice in an increasingly complex international landscape. A key pillar of our international engagement is our input into the shaping and formulation of the EU common foreign and security policy, CFSP, most notably at the monthly meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in which I participate on behalf of the Irish people and Government.
The CFSP allows the EU to act in a unified way in the external sphere, including in the areas of conflict prevention, peacekeeping, institution building, trade and development, and, thereby, contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security in support of the United Nations. This approach reflects Irish values and is fully consistent with our traditional policy of military neutrality, which the Government has reaffirmed in the foreign policy review, and which is protected under the Lisbon treaty. At its heart is a commitment to improving the lives of its own citizens and of those of neighbouring countries and regions. By acting together as the EU, Ireland like the other 27 member states, has a far greater influence on international affairs than if we were to act individually.
The Lisbon treaty provided the EU with the necessary tools, namely, a permanent President of the European Council, a High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and a European External Action Service, to play a more effective role on the international stage. The post of High Representative is firmly established as a key figure in international diplomacy, raising the EU's profile on key foreign policy issues and ensuring a more consistent and coherent approach to the EU's external relations. I was delighted to welcome the EU High Representative, Ms Federica Mogherini, to Dublin on Monday, 12 January 2014, where she delivered the keynote address and met members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Could the Minister point to examples of how our traditional policy of independence in foreign affairs has had a positive influence on the development of the EU's common security and foreign policy? I do not see it. The one example we had of the development of the policy was our abstention from the UN vote over the summer on the conflict in Gaza, which sent a very negative message to Palestinians. Given the very strong role we have traditionally played on the world stage regarding the conflict in the Middle East, aligning ourselves with the interests of France, Germany and England did nothing to develop the relationship.
Ireland continues to play a leading role in shaping the policies of the EU in areas of priority concern from an Irish perspective. For example, the articulation of the approach of the EU to conflict prevention and resolution and the EU guidelines on promoting and protecting the rights of human rights defenders who face persecution for defending the rights of others. We play a leading role on the establishment of protocols on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. In addition, Ireland has a long and credible record of support for a lasting peace in the Middle East. We continue to be a strong voice and play a leading role advocating a two-state solution. We play a prominent role in shaping and achieving EU positions in the Middle East, including benchmark sets of Foreign Affairs Council conclusions in which the EU has focused on specific issues relating to the viability of a future Palestinian state. Last Monday I again participated on behalf of Ireland in discussions on how best the EU can play a positive role in bringing about a lasting solution to the crisis in the Middle East.
Deputy Coppinger is unable to attend and sends her apologies. We therefore move on to Question No. 9.
