Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will define common defence as referred to in the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21555/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The provision on common defence in the Lisbon Treaty largely carries forward the existing Treaty provision on the possibility of the development of an EU common defence. The term is not further defined in the Treaties.

However, any decision to move to a common defence would have to be taken by unanimity, providing Ireland with the right to veto any such proposal. There is currently no indication that any proposal in this sense is likely in the foreseeable future.

I would also note that the stipulation in the existing Treaties that the policy of the European Union in the security and defence area "shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States", originally inserted at Ireland's behest, is carried forward in the Lisbon Treaty.

The wording of the proposed Constitutional amendment permitting ratification of the Lisbon Treaty carries forward the twenty-sixth amendment to our Constitution, approved by the people as part of the ratification of the Nice Treaty in November 2002. This amendment prohibits the State from entering into a common defence established under the EU Treaties. Hence, Ireland's position on the question of an EU common defence is clear. Under our Constitution, Ireland cannot participate in a common defence without the prior consent of the people in a referendum.