asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of a report on Europe's neutral states, produced by the Institute for European Defence and Strategic Studies in London, which suggested that the Irish Defence Forces would not be in a position to defend the country from attack; if he considers this assessment to be accurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Report of Neutrality.
16.
While I am aware of references in the media to the report in question, I have not seen the report itself and for that reason I do not propose to comment on it. I should say, however, that the Defence Forces are maintained and equipped at an appropriate level to meet the demands made on them. They are highly trained in modern weaponry and techniques and there is a planned capacity for an escalatory response should the prevailing circumstances so require.
First of all, I would like to say that I do not necessarily want to give any undue weight to this report, but would the Minister not consider it important to acquire a copy of the report and respond to it in view of the fact that it may well be used as part of a policy making process by the NATO countries? This institute is a NATO related body, according to the press report. They have made a number of serious claims in relation to our security. Would the Minister indicate whether he is prepared to respond to the report?
The Deputy can be assured that I will be getting a copy of the report and, having read it, responding to it, if I feel a response is necessary. In relation to the context in which the report appeared let me say the Government's defence policy — this would colour a response if a response was to be made — is based on military neutrality outside of any military alliances and it is directed towards preserving the sovereignty of the State. That policy was reiterated as late as 1982 by the Government. If we approach the question of the contents of this report in that context it puts us on a fairly solid footing. It is up to us to take the appropriate steps within the context of our neutrality to make sure that we have sufficient strength to look after ourselves. I accept that, no matter what a country of this size may have in weaponry and equipment, circumstances could arise that we could not meet. We all realise that, but in normal day to day operations I am quite happy that the Defence Forces are capable of doing their job.
I am not, and I do not wish to be seen to be, questioning the prepardness or otherwise of the Defence Forces in this matter. I am simply concerned about the political implications of the report, which is entitled Europe's Neutral States: Partners or Profiteers in Western Security. This report refers to all neutral states in Europe, not just Ireland. According to the press reports, a number of serious points are made.
Will the Deputy put a question?
I am trying to place the thing in context. The report says that we have no modern air defence surveillance system, no formal declaration of Ireland's security policy and, most important of all, that neutral states in Europe must adjust their security policies to present conditions.
The Deputy is now making a speech.
It seems that there are political implications in that. The Government should respond to them so that there are no misunderstandings in relation to our position. Would the Minister agree that the Government will do that?
I would, indeed. I do not wish to comment on the report because I have not seen it. All I can say is that the Government's view and policy is not to become involved in defence alliances. For example, in the context of EC membership there is no factual or legal provision in the Treaty of Rome for any defence involvement by us unless we change our policy. I do not propose to do that. Therefore, the Deputy and the House can be assured that there is no change in our basic policy and that we will act in a neutral and independent manner in dealing with any reports which come from any source in relation to our defences.
I am glad the Minister has used this opportunity to reaffirm his confidence in the capacity of our Defence Forces to maintain our neutrality. Does the Minister not agree that, when allegations such as these are made which cast doubts on the adequacy of our Defence Forces to maintain that neutrality, it is important that they be refuted? Some years ago, Dr. O'Brien accused our Army of not being capable of holding the town of Newry for a day. It remained unanswered for a long time. That is no help.
That is not relevant to this question. The Deputy is making a speech.