Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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21. To ask the Minister for Defence his views on a change to the State's policy on military neutrality in the White Paper on Defence; his further views that the United States use of Shannon Airport, the commitment to increase military capacity under the Lisbon treaty and support for French intervention in its former colonies indicate a move away from the policy on military neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1221/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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No change to the State's policy on military neutrality is intended in the White Paper on Defence. Ireland’s policy of military neutrality is defined by non-participation in a military alliance or mutual-defence arrangements. Irish Governments have never interpreted neutrality as meaning that Ireland stands aside from international engagement. Rather, participation strengthens our ability to make an effective contribution to the promotion of global peace, security and development, whether through the UN, the EU or our own bilateral actions. Ireland acts in an objective and even handed manner in accordance with international norms and the rule of law in international relations and is seen as both an impartial and effective actor in its international relations and in support of international peace and security. None of the issues raised by the Deputy compromise or conflict in any way, with Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.

Ireland has made over-flight and landing facilities at Shannon Airport available to the United States for well over 50 years. The current arrangements are fully consistent with Ireland’s obligations under successive Resolutions of the UN Security Council.

While the Lisbon Treaty states that Member States shall undertake progressively to improve their military capabilities, it imposes no obligation in this regard nor can the Union require any Member State to increase expenditure or investment on defence. The amount a Member State spends on defence and the nature of its military capabilities are solely a matter for national decision and the EU has no role or competence in the matter.

The provisions in the legal guarantees, secured by Ireland and attached to the Lisbon Treaty, clearly state that the Lisbon Treaty "does not affect the right of Ireland or any other Member State to determine the nature and volume of its defence and security expenditure and the nature of its defence capabilities". Therefore, there is no requirement under the Lisbon Treaty for increased spending on defence.