Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that Ireland retains its impartial, independent and neutral status at UN and EU level; and if changes are planned in the new treaty. [26031/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Nothing in the Reform Treaty will affect Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality, nor our capacity to pursue our foreign policy. Under the Treaty, as under previous Treaties, Ireland will continue to participate actively in the formulation of the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Unanimity will remain the rule for substantive decisions in the area of the CFSP, which ensures that the views of all member states must be taken into account in agreeing common EU approaches.