FG calls for legislation on neutrality

Fine Gael has called for legislation making Dail approval a prerequisite for any Irish involvement in the EU rapid reaction force.

Party spokesman Jim O’Keefe said the proposals will allay concerns about Irish neutrality being undermined by the EU and help secure a ‘yes’ vote in the re-run of the Nice referendum later this year.

Mr O’Keefe said the Nice Treaty never posed any threat to Ireland’s neutrality and said the electorate was confused about the matter.

He said a move to legislate for Dail approval will convince the electorate that politicians have learned lessons since the Nice Treaty was rejected in Ireland last year.