Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am the only member here who is from a Government party at the moment. I am not saying that I am speaking on behalf of the Government, only that this is who I am.

I compliment the representative in Ireland. Mr. Zurabashvili is a most active diplomat who is constantly in and out of the Houses and is known to everybody. He is certainly an excellent representative for the Georgian Government. I am glad to have the opportunity to compliment him on his work. I welcome the representatives to the committee.

I often consider Ireland's location on the far western side of Europe and the difficult days we had with our nearest neighbour, which still occupies part of the island of Ireland. I believe that Ireland and Georgia have a lot in common. The size of our population is about the same and Ireland is on the extreme west of Europe while Georgia is on the extreme east. It shows the importance of having unification between like-minded people who believe in democracy and in a free and open society. It is more important that this union is protected as distinct from being recognised as a member of this or that body. All of us who are fortunate to live in civilised societies have an obligation to colleagues and friends in other countries that are not experiencing the same freedom as us, and that we do everything possible to support that obligation We must ensure these friends and colleagues are made welcome in a very practical way. I would support the idea of diplomatic visas. It would be an important sign that Ireland sees it as a close relationship. It is more than just about convenience; it is an indication of like-minded people supporting each other.

I am not a great admirer of rushing to join NATO. Much has been made out of the necessity to be a member of NATO. Ireland is not a member of NATO but we are friends with the countries that are NATO members. Because of Ireland's history we are more pacifist with regard to not getting involved and in trying to be peacekeepers. The recognition of being major contributors to peacekeeping missions is a great advantage for Ireland and I would strongly recommend this to a country such as Georgia. It brings a country in touch with other countries, becoming of a same mind, as distinct from a sense of defence. I do not believe Ireland has lost anything by not being a member of NATO. I believe that we contribute more to world peace through our peacekeeping missions. I am a former Minister for Defence and it was always a great pleasure when people from other countries asked for permission to visit our peacekeeping college in the Curragh Camp, not too far from Dublin. This is a peacekeeping college where we teach peacekeeping methods to other countries. One of the most extraordinary requests I received was from the United States military attaché, who came to see me one day during my reign as Minister. He asked permission to recommend to his people back in the United States of America to send representatives from the United States Armed Forces to our peacekeeping college. He told me that they knew nothing about peacekeeping. He said they equip all their young people with the most modern equipment, teach them how to use it and then send them out on peacekeeping missions. It was totally the opposite of Ireland's approach to peacekeeping. It struck a chord with me that there is a rush to be part of a military alliance because we feel we are being defensive, but I believe it is more important to be seen going out on peacekeeping mission. I strongly recommend that countries such as Georgia consider engaging in peacekeeping missions abroad. Ireland now has a great reputation for this and people come to be trained in our peacekeeping methods. Ireland has a reputation for engaging in peacekeeping missions, even if they are small missions. There may be only 50 peacekeeping personnel in one country on a mission that people may not have heard of. This type of integration into the free world is, to me, more important than being regarded as an important member of NATO. Very often that is seen as aggression. Ireland has not lost anything by not being an active member of NATO.

We have got a great deal of benefit from being non-members while taking part in peacekeeping missions. I wish the witnesses well and welcome them here again. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet frequently. I look forward to Georgia's progress with great interest. If there is anything we can do to be of assistance, the witnesses will find the door is always open.