During the last referendum campaign, the Government made clear that the Nice treaty would in no way threaten or undermine our military neutrality. Some disputed this assertion and made a number of exaggerated claims. These claims were without substance and the Government has acted decisively since the referendum to demonstrate that this is so. In the first instance, the Taoiseach secured agreement at the Seville European Council to two declarations which set out an agreed interpretation of the relevant provisions of the treaties. These declarations confirm that the development of the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy shall not prejudice Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality, make it clear that the treaties do not impose any binding defence commitments on Ireland and do not involve the establishment of a European army, and recognise that Ireland will not participate in a common defence arrangement without the approval of the Irish people in a referendum. They also confirm that Irish troop contingents will not take part in EU operations unless the triple-lock mechanism operates, which will require that the operations have the authorisation of the UN and that the deployment is agreed by the Government and approved by the Dáil.