Neutrality is strictly our own business

THERE are several safeguards in the Lisbon Treaty which fully protect Ireland’s distinctive policy of neutrality.

Ireland has secured a comprehensive, legally-binding guarantee on security and defence issues which clearly states that the Lisbon Treaty does not affect our traditional policy of military neutrality.

This legal guarantee also states that the treaty does not provide for the creation of a European army or for conscription.

This was an issue raised during the referendum campaign last year. I believe this internationally-binding legal guarantee addresses the concerns expressed by the people concerning the need to copperfasten Irish neutrality in the context of EU membership.

In other words, defence policy remains a matter for Ireland to decide. Decisions in the policy areas of foreign affairs and defence must also be taken with the unanimous support of all 27 EU member states.

Irish troops cannot serve on peacekeeping missions abroad unless it is with the approval of the UN, Dáil Éireann and the Government under what is known as the triple lock arrangement.

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.

Put simply, Ireland cannot be obliged to do anything in the defence area under the Lisbon Treaty that we do not want to do.

Liam Aylward MEP

Hugginstown

Co Kilkenny