John Bruton
Ceist:7 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach his view on the appropriate relationship, if any, between the Western European Union and the European Community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Western European Union Relationship with EC.
I have on a number of occasions in the House set out the principles which guide the Government's approach to the question of a common foreign and security policy which is under discussion in the Intergovernmental Conference on Political Union.
In that Conference, a variety of proposals are being considered. As I said previously, the Conference is at an early state and it would be premature to speculate on the eventual outcome but I again repeat that the Government's objective remains to ensure that Ireland will be able to participate in and contribute to the Community's foreign and security policy on a basis that respects our long-standing policy positions, including the position that if the Community of Twelve were to develop its own defence arrangement for its own security then we in Ireland would certainly consider participating in that.
I was not asking the Taoiseach to become a political commentator or to offer predictions as to what the outcome of the conference would be. I asked him what his policy was, as to whether there should be a link between the Western European Union and the EC. Is he for it or against it?
When the exact proposal of those who are in favour of a link between the Western European Union and the Community becomes clear, then we will take a decision on that matter. In general, our position is to maintain our traditional policy in regard to military alliances subject only to the qualification that if the Community develops its own defence arrangement we will favourably consider taking part in that arrangement.
Would it be unfair, therefore, to suggest that the policy of the Irish Government in this matter is to wait for other people to make proposals and then react to them and not to have any policy of their own?
As usual.
If what I have said here does not represent the Irish policy, then I am sorry about the Deputy's capacity to understand.
Question No. 8.
I asked the Taoiseach a specific question as to what he believed was the appropriate relationship, if any, between the Western European Union, which exists, and the European Community, which exists. The Taoiseach has not answered that question.
I have already answered that question.
The Taoiseach has not answered that question.
This should not lead to argument.
I can only conclude, Sir, that the Government have no answer——
If Deputies are dissatisfied with Ministers' or the Taoiseachs' replies they have a remedy. Question No. 8, please.
They should call for a general election.