Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the Taoiseach's conversations with President Macron and Chancellor Merkel. They have put forward a renewed leadership of the Franco-German alliance concentrating on issues such as the development of a eurozone government with a finance minister and the capacity to levy taxes on citizens directly. What really concerns me is the following. Can the Taoiseach indicate whether he explained to them that Ireland is a neutral country and that neutrality is much valued here? Did he make it clear whether he backed their proposals and those of the eurogroup around a bolstered defence capacity for what are called by them "core EU eurozone members"? Will the Taoiseach recommit to Irish neutrality or does he favour changes on Irish neutrality on the lines they have been suggesting? It is suggested countries might provide for a eurogroup military presence. Where does the Taoiseach stand on that?

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