Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am proposing: "That the Department of Foreign and Trade's Statement of Strategy 2015-2017 will include Ireland's position of neutrality as a strong core value of the State and of the Irish people." This relates to the statement of strategy, which members will have gone through. It makes no reference to Ireland's position of neutrality. I got a reply from the Department before I thought of putting down a motion and I wanted to see its view on it. The reply makes absolutely no sense and it does not give a reason for neutrality not being mentioned. For the record, it states:

I wish to acknowledge receipt of your submission on our forthcoming statement of strategy. As you know, the statement of strategy is not solely a policy document but an articulation of how we intend to implement our Programme for Partnership Government commitments. The Global Island, which influences the statement of strategy and is referenced as a key guide, does of course have a reference to the relevant legislation.

Sir Humphrey would be agog. That is straight out of the top drawer when it comes to a reply on why neutrality is not mentioned in our entire statement of strategy. I am asking for the support of members for the line to be included that it is a strong core value of the State and the Irish people.