Dáil Éireann - Volume 538 - 19 June, 2001

Written Answers. - Military Neutrality.

Mr. Sargent Mr. Sargent

102. Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is considering proposals to enshrine neutrality in the Constitution. [17914/01]

Mr. Cowen Mr. Cowen

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen): The Government remains firmly committed to Ireland's policy of military neutrality. It is a policy which has been espoused by successive Irish Governments and has as a core defining characteristic non-membership of military alliances. This policy of military neutrality has gone hand in hand with a strong commitment to international co-operation for peace and stability, as evidenced by Ireland's participation in UN mandated peacekeeping operations. The Defence Acts provide that Ireland would only take part in missions which are specifically authorised by the UN and on the basis of a sovereign case by case decision by the Government, subject to the approval of this House.

635

I would also highlight the fact that the Constitution, in Article 29, already affirms Ireland's [635] devotion to the ideal of peace and friendly co-operation among nations founded on international justice and morality. Article 29 also affirms our adherence to the principle of pacific settlement of international disputes. Against this background, I do not see a case for amending the Constitution in this area.

I am hopeful that the open public debate which will take place on European issues, through the National Forum on Europe, will help to dispel the fears and anxieties that have been expressed during the recent referendum campaign, including the question of Ireland's neutrality. Ireland's involvement in the European Security and Defence Policy is fully consistent with our policy in this area. The Government has made clear that the consent of the people, in a referendum, would be required if the issue of entering a military alliance involving a collective or mutual defence obligation were ever to arise in the future.

Dáil Éireann 538 Written Answers. Military Neutrality.

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