Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. It is important to state that defence and security remain national competences and will continue to require unanimity in EU decision-making. Any decision to alter these arrangements would require a change to the European treaties. Furthermore, the specific character of Ireland's security and defence policy, as set out in the protocols attached to the Lisbon treaty, is well known and respected by our fellow EU member states.

That being said, the EU faces unprecedented foreign and security policy challenges. The invasion of Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East demonstrate the need for the EU to be able to react robustly and rapidly to developments that threaten our interests and values. As a committed member of the European Union, Ireland is open to looking at ways to improve the implementation of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, CFSP, and the Common Security and Defence Policy, the latter being an integral part of the CFSP. It is important that we continue to explore ways to make the EU run as effectively as possible, delivering benefits and protections for all its citizens.

In certain limited circumstances as outlined in Article 31(2) of the Treaty on European Union, there is scope for the Council to act by QMV in CFSP matters. Ireland sees the potential value of using QMV for decision making in certain limited circumstances where it would make decision making more efficient but, crucially, where the treaties make allowance for it. However, Article 31(3) of the treaty, commonly referred to as the passerelle clause, states that the extension of the use of qualified majority voting on CFSP matters would have to be agreed unanimously by the European Council.

It is crucial that any expanded use of QMV is not seen as a way to avoid debating issues where there is no consensus. It is important that we continue to work to foster solidarity and unanimity among all 27 member states.

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