Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 20: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will reassure the Houses of the Oireachtas of his commitment to protect Ireland's tradition of neutrality. [6845/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government is fully committed to protecting Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality, characterised by non-participation in military alliances. Over the years, this policy has served us well. It has helped us to speak with a distinctive and independent voice on many of the key challenges facing the world in relation to the maintenance of international peace and security. It has also reinforced our ability to contribute effectively to international peacekeeping operations and conflict resolution efforts. Successive Governments have not interpreted neutrality as meaning that Ireland should avoid international engagement. Rather, they have considered that it enhances our capacity to make a direct and significant contribution to the promotion of global peace and stability through the UN, the European Union and in bilateral action.

In common with several other neutral and non-aligned States, Ireland is willing to participate in peace operations authorised by the United Nations, whether these are undertaken under direct UN command or are led by the European Union or by NATO. There is no doubt that our non-membership of military alliances strengthens our acceptability and standing in areas which are experiencing conflict and enables us to make a highly regarded and effective contribution to such operations. The Government intends to protect this tradition of military neutrality and the values and principles associated with it which form a key part of Ireland's foreign policy.