Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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142. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality is threatened by the recently signed joint European Union-North Atlantic Treaty Organisation declaration on closer co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21779/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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EU-NATO cooperation has no implications for Ireland’s longstanding policy of military neutrality which has been pursued by successive Governments and which is characterised by non-participation in military alliances. The commitment to this policy was reconfirmed last year in the Foreign Policy review “The Global Island” and in the White Paper on Defence.

Although not a member of NATO, Ireland has long recognised the importance of practical cooperation between the EU and NATO in areas where this has added value, such as ensuring that Irish Defence Forces personnel can operate securely and effectively alongside contingents from other countries in UN-mandated peace support operations.

This is on the basis that cooperation is between two separate and autonomous organisations, and that cooperation is consistent with and does not affect our longstanding policy of military neutrality.

Co-operation between the EU and NATO takes place within the framework of the Lisbon Treaty. The legally-binding Irish Protocol to the Lisbon Treaty expressly states that “The Treaty of Lisbon does not affect or prejudice Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality”.

Last month the European Council agreed that there should be accelerated practical cooperation between the EU and NATO in selected areas. The Council conclusions stated that cooperation will take place “in full respect of the decision-making autonomy and procedures of both organisations” and will be “without prejudice to the specific character of the security and defence policy of any Member State.” These stipulations are also included in the text of the Declaration signed last week.

These provisions make clear the distinction between the two organisations and underline that there are no implications for Ireland’s military neutrality.