Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

As I said in response to Question No. 2, Ireland's position has been absolutely clear since the Government clarified this country's position on neutrality during the campaign that preceded the second referendum on the Nice treaty. Ireland cannot become involved in any military activity without meeting the terms of the triple lock system — a request for such participation has to be received from the UN, a decision has to be made by the sovereign Government of the people of Ireland and that decision has to be ratified by the Parliament of the Republic of Ireland. That position, which is in the proposed EU constitution, is internationally respected. There is no threat to Ireland's position.

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