Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is worth noting that the language of the European Parliament that Dr. Colfer just quoted came specifically from Ireland. At the meeting we attended, those exact words comprised the Irish proposal in a discussion that otherwise did not recognise neutrality. Only when we proposed the wording was it included in the draft. It is very interesting that the member states participating at a session like the one I have mentioned do not account for the neutrality of small countries. They think in terms of European defence and move in a particular way. A clear statement is required at all times by Ireland, in conjunction with the small and diminishing number of neutral states, to the effect that nothing will be adopted that does not take into account the position of neutral states. The inclusion of the wording is requested by Ireland every time.

For clarity, we are not politically neutral on Ukraine. As has been said by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste on a number of occasions, we are militarily neutral but politically, we are clearly not neutral when it comes to Ukraine. With that, we will conclude our meeting today. I thank everyone very much for coming in. It has been a very helpful and informative exchange of views.