Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
74. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will bring forward a Bill to enable a constitutional referendum on neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20884/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur policy of military neutrality, as practised by successive Governments over many decades, means Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements.
As I have said in this House on many previous occasions, the Government has no plans to alter our long-standing policy of military neutrality, join a military alliance or enter into a mutual defence arrangement. As such, a referendum enshrining Ireland’s neutrality in the Constitution is not necessary or appropriate.
Furthermore, the Constitution already establishes the framework within which Ireland conducts its international relations. Article 29.1 provides that "Ireland affirms its devotion to the ideal of peace and friendly co-operation amongst nations founded on international justice and morality."
Article 29.4.9 sets out that the State “shall not adopt a decision taken by the European Council to establish a common defence pursuant to Article 42 of the Treaty on European Union where that common defence would include the State”.
In the context of an increasingly challenging international security environment, a referendum enshrining Ireland’s neutrality in the Constitution would significantly constrain the Executive’s ability to exercise its policy-making authority in respect of the conduct of external relations, as outlined in Article 29 of the Constitution.
Accordingly, the Government has no plans to bring forward legislation to hold a constitutional referendum on neutrality.
Finally, while I would once again underline that there are no plans to change our policy of military neutrality, we must be cognisant of the changed geopolitical context and wider threat environment in Europe. For this reason, the Government is committed to broadening and deepening Ireland’s international security engagement as well as our domestic efforts to ensure the security of our country.
