Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his understanding of the concept of military neutrality; the way this differs from neutrality and the extent to which both these concepts must evolve in relation to our membership of the European Union post entry in to force of the Lisbon treaty. [9529/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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In the strict sense of international law and practice, the question of neutrality does not arise during peacetime but only during a state of war, when the neutrality of a state would be embodied in an attitude of impartiality towards the belligerents. Ireland is one of a number of States which proclaims to pursue a policy of neutrality or non-alignment in peacetime. It is a matter for each of these States to determine the nature and characteristics of its policies. Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality, which has been pursued by successive Governments, is characterised by non-participation in military alliances.

This is not a policy of isolationism and is fully consistent with Ireland's foreign policy of active international engagement. The values on which our traditional policy of military neutrality rests inform Ireland's broader foreign policy, including through our participation in international peacekeeping, our contributions to conflict resolution and peacebuilding, our work for human rights and development, and our efforts to promote disarmament and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction.

Indeed, it is these very same values which have underpinned and motivated Ireland's long and distinguished record of support for and participation in military operations sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council in the cause of international peace and security.

The EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), as set out in the Lisbon Treaty, is an integral part and operational arm of the Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The CSDP is entirely consistent with Ireland's values and interests, including the primacy of the United Nations in the maintenance of global peace and security. While the CSDP is an evolving process directed towards the achievement of ever-greater effectiveness, successive Treaties since the Maastricht Treaty have stipulated that Union policy in this area shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain member States.

Ireland's participation in a European common defence is prohibited by Article 29.4.9 of the Constitution. Any change in that position could take place only with the approval of the people in a referendum to amend the Constitution.