Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Defence the impact on the Defence Forces of the guarantee in regard to military neutrality obtained from the EU in relation to the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24710/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The provisions of the Lisbon Treaty in the security and defence area are fully consistent with Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. In particular, the existing safeguard that the Union's policy in this area "shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States" is maintained, along with the requirement for unanimity in relation to the launching of any mission.

The legal guarantee confirms that the Lisbon Treaty will have no impact on the Defence Forces. National security will continue to remain the sole responsibility of each member state. In addition, the Treaty will not have any impact on Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. Any decision by Ireland to participate in EU-led military crisis management operations will be for sovereign decision on a case-by-case basis and in line with Irish constitutional and legislative arrangements. The "triple lock" provisions requiring a Government decision, Dáil approval, and UN authorisation will continue to apply in relation to the overseas deployment of contingents of the Irish Defence Forces for service in peace support and crisis management operations.

The guarantee confirms that there is absolutely no provision in the Lisbon Treaty, or in any other EU treaties, which would facilitate the establishment of a European Army or the introduction of conscription to any military formation. The obligation to military service is strictly a matter of policy for individual member states, which in Ireland's case, is entirely voluntary and will remain so.

The guarantee clearly states that the European Union has no authority to determine how, where and in what manner we spend money on defence, or indeed how much we spend on defence. These are solely matters for individual decision by each Member State.

The guarantee also confirms Ireland cannot be obliged to participate in any common defence arrangement. Ireland's participation in such an arrangement would require the specific approval of the Irish people in a separate referendum. Regarding Mutual Assistance, whereby if a Member State is attacked it can ask for help, military or otherwise, from other EU Member States in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Ireland would retain the right to take its own sovereign decision on whether and how to come to another member state's assistance, taking account of our traditional policy of military neutrality.

Regarding the European Defence Agency and Permanent Structured Cooperation, it is a matter for each Member State to decide on the level of its participation in any such arrangement in accordance with its national constitutional and legislative provisions.

From an Irish perspective, the guarantees confirm that there is no provision in the Lisbon Treaty which impacts on Ireland's sovereign right to decide for itself all matters relating to defence and the Defence Forces.