European Union

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022

Thursday, 8 September 2022

Ceisteanna (785)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

785. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence his views on a statement by the European Union Vice President High Representative for Foreign Affairs (details supplied); his views on whether it is a European Union competence to change the State's foreign policy, particularly regarding the declaration of war; his views on whether the statement reflects an agreement to which the Government has given its assent in the Council of Europe; the action that he will take at European Union level to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42851/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

Together with our EU partners, Ireland has been resolute in our response to Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable and morally reprehensible war against Ukraine. The EU has repeatedly demonstrated its strong and unwavering support for Ukraine, including in relation to sanctions against Russia and the provision of military assistance.

We have consistently underlined that Ireland is militarily neutral but is not politically neutral in the face of Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. Our own focus has been on easing the plight of the Ukrainian people, providing for the many Ukrainian refugees who are seeking protection in Ireland and holding the Russian leadership to account.

At the same time, it is important to underline that the EU is not a party to the conflict and neither is Ireland. Moreover, security and defence remain predominantly Member State competences and Ireland’s policy of military neutrality is well understood by EU partners and codified in the Protocol attached to the Lisbon Treaty.