Vol. 396 No. 6
7 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if he has prepared any position papers in relation to Ireland's potential role in a common European security agreement which may arise from the proposed new Helsinki II Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is not the practice to say whether or not papers on any particular subject have or have not been prepared in or for my Department.
I should add that Ireland is strongly of the view that the summit of CSCE participating states to be held later this year should affirm the importance of continuing negotiations in the field of arms control and the building of security and confidence, with a view to achieving a lasting framework for stability in Europe.
While I take the Taoiseach's point that it is not customary to publish papers — I am not sure whether he said it is not customary to publish papers or prepare papers — I assume some preparation is being done for the proposed new Helsinki II Treaty. May I ask the Taoiseach — and this relates to a remark by Deputy Barry — if this House will be afforded some opportunity of discussing such matters in a constructive manner, by that I mean having a debate? If we had a committee of foreign affairs obviously we would have the opportunity but, given that we do not, will the Taoiseach not agree that a debate on the very many wide matters which will be taken into account in relation to European security would be very desirable for Deputies on all sides of the House and perhaps for the Government?
I have no objection.
In what respects does the Taoiseach consider the existing Helsinki II Treaty likely to be enlarged in any further treaty that might be negotiated and what fields does he expect might be covered?
It is a very broad question. One of the issues that immediately comes to mind is the question of disarmament, and particularly reduction of conventional forces in Europe. I think the general thrust of the conference would be towards the establishment of a new framework of relations, particularly something to which the eastern European countries could relate specifically for the purposes of their security and stability in the new situation that now obtains. These countries, of course, were all members of the Warsaw Pact, which is certainly undergoing considerable change and in that new situation there would be a widespread desire to put in place a framework of relationships which would provide a new era of stability and security.
Arising from his reply, may I ask the Taoiseach if, as President of the EC Council, he has impressed on the other European leaders that Ireland is excluded from participating in any such common European security agreement, given our neutral status?
We have always participated in the CSCE process, which is a widespread framework involving the United States, Canada and all the countries of Europe, excluding Albania.
Has the Taoiseach stressed that Ireland is a neutral country and, therefore, will be excluded from any military alliances arising from that?
Ca va sans dire.
(Limerick East): Some weeks ago in the House the Taoiseach said that the eastern boundaries of East Germany could only be varied under the Helsinki Agreement in accordance with international law or by mutual agreement, but in the light of Chancellor Kohl's recent statement does the Taoiseach intend to highlight this aspect of the Helsinki II Treaty during the course of his Presidency?
The best thing I can do is to refer the Deputy to one of the conclusions of the Strasbourg Summit which indicated support for the German people to achieve unity in the context of the Helsinki Agreement.
Let us make some progress on other questions. I will allow a very brief supplementary. We are making very little progress today; half an hour has elapsed almost and we have disposed of only seven questions.
(Limerick East): When I raised this previously with the Taoiseach in this House some weeks ago he said that the Helsinki II Treaty specifically said that the eastern boundaries could only be changed in accordance with international law or by international agreement. Does the Taoiseach intend to highlight this aspect of the Helsinki II Treaty——
We are having repetition.
(Limerick East):——against the background of the Chancellor's remarks?
There is no need for me to highlight it because it was specifically affirmed in the conclusions of the Strasbourg Summit.
