Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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19. To ask the Minister for Defence the content of, and the obligations on, the Defence Forces, arising from the recently signed memorandum of understanding on security and defence co-operation with the United Kingdom; his views of its implications for the Government's policy of military neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6896/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) provides a framework for developing and furthering bilateral co-operation and relations between the Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence. The MoU takes into account matters such as military forces training; exercises and military education; exchange of views on EU Common Security and Defence Policy; potential for joint contributions to UN Crisis Management Operations; joint procurement initiatives; pooling and sharing resources; general sharing of reform in defence services; potential for staff exchanges; sharing of information, and joint contribution to Security Sector Reform and capacity building in crisis locations. It envisages cooperation and exchanges involving both civil and military personnel. The MoU provides opportunities for more joint and collaborative work in support of international peace and security. It will also enhance the potential for further joint contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.

The MoU is a voluntary, non-binding arrangement between the Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence and does not affect or prejudice the position or policy of either country in the areas of Common and/or Mutual Defence. The MoU clearly states that it “will not impact on Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality or commit Ireland, in terms of military or financial resources, in a manner which could be inconsistent with that policy, the Irish Constitution or with the Lisbon Treaty protocols”.