Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 29: To ask the Minister for Defence the effect the Lisbon treaty will have on Irish neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20155/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Lisbon Treaty will have no effect on Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. As I have said on many occasions, Ireland's neutrality is in our hands and that is where it will be staying at all times. The Lisbon Treaty does not change or alter this position. The triple lock, requirement of Government decision, Dáil approval and UN authorisation for any overseas deployment of members of the Defence Forces, is also unaffected by the Lisbon Treaty.

The existing safeguards in the EU Treaties for Ireland's distinctive national approach are retained in the Lisbon Treaty. These include the general requirement for unanimity in relation to decision-making in the Common Foreign and Security Policy area, in particular with regard to the launch of any European Union crisis-management mission. No such mission can go ahead without our express approval. The Treaty of Lisbon states that the Union's policy in this area "shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States". This recognises and protects the position of Ireland.

As the Deputy will be aware, the proposed Constitutional amendment to allow the State ratify the Lisbon Treaty also confirms the prohibition on Ireland entering an EU common defence, unless the people of Ireland were to decide otherwise at some future point. As a result, any proposal relating to Ireland's participation in an EU common defence would require the express approval of the Irish people in a further referendum.