Mr. Niall Burgess:

In the very broad sense we characterise the Government's policy of neutrality as one of non-participation in military alliances. To elaborate a little on this, it is set in a very clear context and this needs to be borne in mind. It is set against Ireland's belief that primary responsibility for international peace and security rests with the UN Security Council. We support actions of the UN Security Council in accordance with the UN charter. We believe in a much broader active international engagement, which involves participation in peacekeeping, peace building activities, conflict resolution, support for disarmament, human rights and development. This broader context within which the policy of neutrality is implemented and developed is important.