Neutrality not threatened by Lisbon Treaty, says O’Dea 29/04/2008 - 22:17:59
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea today said that Ireland’s neutrality was not under threat by the Lisbon Treaty.
He was speaking at an event commemorating 50 years of Ireland's UN Peacekeeping with Irish Army UN Veterans today in Dublin.
He declared a new centre at Arbour Hill in the city which will celebrate the country's contribution to preserving peace across the globe officially open.
The building will also act as a social centre for veterans coming to terms with some of the atrocities they have seen on their tour of duty.
In his keynote address the Limerick TD reiterated that the Lisbon Treaty will not affect Ireland's policy of neutrality.
In his speech to pay tribute to the veterans, Minister O'Dea said: “This year we celebrate 50 years of Irish peacekeeping with the United Nations.
“Wherever you have gone with the United Nations in the cause of peace, you have made a real and lasting contribution to the lives of the local communities. I want, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Government to thank all our Defence Force veterans for your courage, your dedication and unselfish humanity. You have served as ambassadors for Ireland.
“Last week, I met with the Austrian Defence Minister on my return from visiting our Irish Troops serving in Kosovo. He and I discussed what we - as two militarily neutral countries within the EU - are doing to progress the aims of the United Nations by our missions in Bosnia, Kosovo and most recently in the UN mandated EU Mission to Chad.
“Similarly, the EU recognises that it, as one of the wealthiest trading blocks, must also meet its obligations on the international stage. There is a recognition among member states, which is reflected in the Lisbon Reform Treaty, that the Union should become a force for peace, prosperity and democracy in the wider world.
“Ireland's neutrality has been central to our vision as the bridge between the developed and developing world.
“As I have said several times: Ireland's neutrality is in our hands and that is where it will be staying at all times. The Reform Treaty does not change or alter this.
“There is no threat to Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality or to our sovereign right to decide for ourselves when we participate in missions involving the Defence Forces.
“The Triple Lock of UN mandate, Government and Dáil approval remains in place for all such decisions. That is the situation that has applied and served us well over the past 50 years and it is the system that will remain in place after the Lisbon Treaty.”
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Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea today said that Ireland’s neutrality was not under threat by the Lisbon Treaty.
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