Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his position on the recommendations from the assembly of the Western European Union to eliminate the member state veto in European security and defence policy decision-making. [25975/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has observer status in the Western European Union, including in the assembly, and is not bound by any decisions or recommendations of the assembly, nor do its recommendations have any standing as regards the European Union. The Treaty on European Union provides for unanimity in regard to all decisions having security or defence implications.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will appoint delegates to the assembly of the Western European Union; if so, the names of the delegates and the details of the terms of their defence mandate. [25976/05]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will send four delegates to the assembly of the Western European Union with a defence mandate; if this mandate will be made known to the relevant joint committees prior to meetings at the assembly; and if so, the names of the delegates. [25977/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.

Members of the Irish parliamentary delegation to the assembly of the Western European Union are appointed by the Oireachtas from among its Members. Neither I nor any other member of the Government has any function in the matter. Members of the delegation do not receive any mandate from the Government or any member of it, nor do they represent the Government at the assembly. Ireland has observer status in the Western European Union, including in the assembly, and is not bound by any decisions or recommendations of the assembly.