Michael D'Arcy
Ceist:40 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Defence his views on Ireland's participation in the Partnership for Peace initiative. [26778/98]
Written Answers. - Partnership for Peace.
The issue of Ireland's participation in Partnership for Peace was set out by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in his reply to a question in the House on 5 November last and also in an article in The Irish Times on Saturday, 28 November 1998. I understand he also gave a written reply to questions in the House yesterday. I concur fully with his views in relation to PfP.
The Government's intention at this stage is to try to enhance understanding and informed discussion of PfP and also to move that discussion away from the polarised views which have developed and grown around the issue in recent times. I see this as an entirely sensible and appropriate approach to the matter at this juncture.
As regards the possible future role for the Defence Forces in peacekeeping activities under PfP, participants in PfP subscribe to a framework document which sets out the basic purposes and objectives of PfP. These include,inter alia, the protection and promotion of human rights, the safeguarding of freedom, justice and peace, the preservation of democracy, the upholding of international law and the fulfilment of the objectives of the UN charter and OSCE commitments. In addition, individual states decide on the scope and extent of its participation in PfP activities and, in this regard, agree an individual partnership programme covering the activities to which it wishes to subscribe.
In Ireland's case, should we decide at any time in the future to join PfP, it is envisaged that these activities would include peacekeeping under a UN mandate, humanitarian and rescue, etc, tasks in line with our traditional involvement and experience in these areas.