Vol. 406 No. 5
4 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline his views on proposals for an EC Common Defence-Security Policy; whether he has discussed this issue with senior officers of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Government's views on this matter were outlined by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 11 of 14 February, 1991.
My Department have no involvement in these discussions.
My difficulty in addressing the Minister of State is that, anticipating his response — the usual evasion — I have carefully studied the reply of 14 February. It does not reply to the specific question I have asked. I want to put a number of specific questions to the Minister. Have there been discussions between the Minister and the Defence Forces chiefs on the question of a common security or defence policy for Europe?
I am surprised that Deputy O'Keeffe feels he did not receive a sufficient reply to Question No. 11 on 14 February to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The question was tabled by Deputy Deasy and if I may quote——
There is no need. I have it in front of me. Direct questions are being evaded.
There is no need for the injection of heat into this matter. I have to dissuade the Member from quoting. Quoting at Question Time is not in order.
There is no reference to defence in the question tabled on 14 February. The question of European political union is a matter for the Minister for Foreign Affairs, not Defence.
Now that the Minister is trying to slip out from under his own reply, will he give me an answer? Have there been discussions between the Minister and the chiefs of the Defence Forces in relation to the possibility of a common European security or defence policy?
I can only repeat that the Government's views on this matter were outlined by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, whose responsibility it is. It is not the responsibility of the Minister for Defence. The position of the Government has been fully and clearly outlined on many occasions.
I see no point in pursuing the question with the Minister. Obviously he does not know the answer and is continuing the record set by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs in refusing to set out Government policy in these vital areas. I am protesting to you at the manner in which legitimate questions are not being replied to.
Would the Minister agree that any involvement by this country in an EC common defence policy is a clear contravention of Irish neutrality?
These are separate matters for another Minister.
It is relevant.
Has the Minister had meetings with other European Defence Ministers in relation to a common defence and security policy? If such meetings have taken place, what was the nature of the discussions?
I can only repeat that this is a separate issue. The whole question of policy is for the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
This is a very important matter. What is the Government's position in relation to a common defence and security policy for Europe? We understand the Minister for Foreign Affairs recently met Herr Genscher and outlined the Irish position, which was accepted. The people do not know the Government position.
It has been made clear on many occasions that no meetings or negotiations have taken place in relation to defence.
What about the meeting with Herr Genscher?
Is the Minister telling the House that no meetings have taken place between the Minister for Defence and the chiefs of the Defence Forces in relation to a common defence or security policy? If he is not clearly giving an answer, is he saying that Opposition Deputies are not entitled to answers on questions of fact?
I can assure Deputy O'Keeffe that no negotiations, discussions or meetings have taken place in relation to defence. The question that has been tabled is one for Foreign Affairs. If the Deputy wishes to pursue the matter with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, he will be very pleased to elaborate on the response he gave to Deputy Deasy in February.
The Minister of State is obviously flying blind on this issue.
It is quite clear.
As clear as mud.
