The status of the militarily neutral member states of the EU, which include Ireland, is recognised and respected by our EU partners and beyond. The different character of security and defence policies of EU member states is reflected in the Treaty on European Union, as amended by the Amsterdam Treaty, which states that "The policy of the Union in accordance with this Article shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain member states .". This provision is unaltered by the draft Treaty of Nice.
Along with the other militarily neutral EU member states, Sweden, Finland and Austria, we are playing a full part in the development of European security and defence policy. Our constructive involvement in this area is widely recognised. We are also fully engaged in conflict prevention and crisis management issues both at UN level and also in other international fora. The successful outcome to our campaign for election to the UN Security Council is a further recognition by the international community of the particular contribution which we can make.
In accordance with the priorities set out in the Government's programme, I am determined that Ireland should continue to pursue conflict prevention and crisis management in a manner which fully reflects the traditions and principles which we seek to uphold.
Question No. 263 answered with Question No. 96.
