Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The proposals are at an early stage. There has been a general welcome for them across EU states. Some states have indicated they are not particularly happy with every aspect of every proposal. Ireland has no particular concerns with the proposal as currently drafted. However, we very much welcome our inclusion. The Government is anxious to become involved in the process early and that is why I hope to have the approval of the Houses of the Oireachtas by 2 October in order that Ireland can signal its early intention to become involved in this architecture. The Government is particularly keen to ensure the relationship between member states and third countries be established early and intensified. The reason for that is the impending withdrawal of our nearest neighbours, the UK, from the Union. The manner in which it operates provides for a greater development of relations between the Union and third countries, having regard to the fact that the likelihood is that the UK will be a third country. The Government has no concerns at present but it is monitoring its engagement and involvement with the roll-out of the proposals. Once Ireland is at the table, it will be able to ensure that its voice is particularly heard and its influence brought to bear. As far as the Government and the Attorney General are concerned, nothing that has been proposed is an issue that can cause any concern to Ireland in terms of its relationship with European security and defence. Any changes to that would be subject to ratification by Dáil Éireann in any event.