Vol. 505 No. 3
83 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the preparations, if any, made by his Department for the presentation document in relation to Partnership for Peace; and the other steps, if any, required in the case of this country. [13453/99]
As has been made clear previously, it is the Government's intention that, in the light of the current public debate and following the European elections, in which parties will no doubt take the opportunity to set out their approaches, Ireland will join Partnership for Peace later this year.
Prior to joining, a decision in favour of participation in PfP should be submitted to Dáil Éireann for its consideration and approval. The decision to be submitted to the Dáil would make clear the nature and scope of our proposed participation in PfP in appropriate terms.
Participation in Partnership for Peace is based on the principle of self-differentiation: that is, a State selects for itself the nature and scope of its participation. The terms of our participation would be reflected in Ireland's national presentation document, which would be presented to NATO upon signature by Ireland of the PfP framework document of January 1994. Upon signature by Ireland of the framework document, Ireland would have joined PfP. Consultations with the NATO Secretariat concerning the modalities of Ireland's participation in PfP will take place at the appropriate time.
An information booklet, entitled Ireland and the Partnership for Peace – An Explanatory Guide, which explains in detail what participation by Ireland in PfP would entail, has been issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs under the direction of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
