Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 156: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason neutral Ireland is participating in a US-led, NATO, occupying force in Afghanistan; and if this is the end of Ireland's independent foreign policy. [21449/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality is characterised by non-participation in military alliances. This policy has been underpinned by a set of complementary values which includes the protection of human rights; support for development; and the promotion of disarmament and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. 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 United Nations, the European Union and in bilateral action.

As a member of the United Nations, and in accordance with the UN Charter, we also acknowledge that primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security rests with the UN Security Council, and we agree that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility the Council acts on behalf of all members. We take seriously the obligation we have assumed to give the Organisation every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the Charter. Since 2001, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has been deployed under the authority of the UN Security Council, which authorised the establishment of a force in the maintenance of security to enable the Afghan authorities as well as UN personnel to operate in a secure environment. ISAF has a peace enforcement mandate under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

There are thirteen UN Security Council Resolutions relating to ISAF. The most recent of these, UNSCR 2011, which was adopted on 12 October 2011, extended ISAF's mandate for a further year, and called upon UN Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and resources to the operation. It also welcomed the long-term commitments made by Afghanistan's international partners, including NATO, the European Union (EU), neighbouring states and regional partners, to continue supporting Afghanistan beyond the "transition" period. Ireland supports continuing efforts to develop Afghanistan into a peaceful, democratic nation, based on respect for fundamental human rights, including the rights of Afghan women, and respect for the rule of law.

Seven members of the Permanent Defence Forces are serving with ISAF at its Kabul headquarters in non-combatant roles. Their deployment accords fully with both Irish and international law and in no way calls into question Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. The service of the Defence Forces with ISAF represents a further example of Ireland's commitment to participation in UN-mandated peace operations, a long-standing and key foreign policy principle for Ireland. I would also point out that other neutral and non-aligned States, including Austria, Finland and Sweden, also contribute troops to ISAF.