Gino Kenny
Question:45. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ireland’s position on the US, UK and Australia trilateral security partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47164/21]
View answerThursday, 30 September 2021
Questions (45)
Written answers
Ireland has taken note of the recent trilateral security deal concluded by the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, known as AUKUS.
The announcement identified that the first major initiative of AUKUS will be to develop a nuclear-powered submarine fleet for Australia. At the outset, it will be important to ensure that no proliferation risks or unhelpful precedents arise from the agreement. In this regard, I welcome the statement by Director General Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency that the Agency will engage with the three countries concerned in line with its statutory mandate, and in accordance with their respective safeguards agreements with the Agency.
The agreement also raises wider points of principle concerning communication between partners, in particular on sensitive issues, and underlines the need for continuing cooperation and dialogue between the EU and its strategic partners. This should be conducted in a spirit of openness and transparency, so that partners can work together to protect our shared interests and values, notably in defending the rules-based international order and ensuring respect for human rights.
I welcome the fact that renewed dialogue has taken place between some of the key parties – notably Presidents Biden and Macron - and that the French Ambassador is returning to Washington.
Recent months have seen a reinvigoration of the EU-US relationship, with increased dialogue in a range of areas including trade, climate and global health. I am confident there is political will on both sides of the Atlantic to continue to cooperate more closely.
Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 8.