Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government and I welcome the presentation of the new global strategy setting out a vision for European Union foreign and security policy. It commits the European Union to the promotion of peace, prosperity, democracy and the rule of law. I welcome that the strategy encompasses both foreign and security policy, taking in a global perspective. I assure the House that Irish concerns have been taken on board to a large extent in the document. The strategy has no implications for Ireland's military neutrality, which is confirmed in the legally binding protocol to the Lisbon treaty. It sets out interesting ideas and important proposals, which we must take time to consider carefully before moving forward. This is really important in the context of the decision of the United Kingdom to depart from the European Union. The conclusions make clear that any implementation of this new strategy will be negotiated and agreed with member states.

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