Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 25: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will reassure Dáil Éireann of his commitment to protect Ireland's tradition of neutrality. [8381/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government is fully committed to protecting Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality, characterised by non-participation in military alliances. Over the years, this policy and the value it encompasses have helped to define Ireland's place in the world and our approach to international relations. Successive Governments have not seen the tradition of military neutrality as meaning that we stand aside from international engagement. Rather, they have considered that it strengthens our ability to make an effective contribution to the promotion of global peace, security and development, whether through the UN, the EU or our own bilateral actions.

Question No. 26 answered with Question No. 24.