Brexit has not changed Government’s view on neutrality, Tánaiste says

The Government's view on neutrality has not changed following the UK's vote to leave the EU, according to Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald.

Her comments in Dáil came amid claims European Union leaders discussed the “ongoing militarisation of the EU” during this week’s summit in Brussels.

Ms Fitzgerald said the Government remained committed to the triple lock process on any engagement of the Defence Forces of backing by the UN, the Government and the Dáil.

Ms Fitzgerald also said the Government had already made clear its commitment to the Partnership for Peace, a Nato programme to enhance its co-operation with European countries.

"Our armed forces have a very proud tradition of engaging in peacekeeping internationally and we intend to continue that," she said. "Brexit does not change that as far as the Government is concerned."

The Tánaiste was responding to Independent TD Thomas Pringle, who said that while the meeting of EU leaders was dominated by Brexit other issues including the ongoing militarisation of the EU were also under discussion.

The Donegal TD said the council meeting was also attended by Secretary General of Nato Jens Stoltenberg, while the EU’s High Representative Federica Mogherini delivered the European global strategy on foreign and security policy.

Mr Pringle asked if Taoiseach Enda Kenny remained at the European Council meeting while it met the Nato Secretary General. “That is key for a so-called neutral country,” he said.

Mr Pringle claimed the document “stops short of the creation of a European army but says the EU should systematically encourage defence co-operation and strive to create a solid European defence industry”.

War games

He said the document followed quickly “after Nato played war games in Poland” and he added that “it is intended that in the coming days the President of the European Council and Nato will sign a pact in Warsaw at the weekend”.

Minister of State for Defence Paul Kehoe has already confirmed to the Dáil he is to attend the Nato meeting in Warsaw in July.

“That is a pact he will be signing on our behalf,” Mr Pringle said. “How will the Government protect our neutrality as the majority of the Irish people want?”

The Tánaiste said she did not have the details of who attended, “but the key issue at stake here is the approach of the Government to neutrality and that has not changed”.

The Government’s triple lock approach remained the basis for Ireland’s approach “regardless of who attended or did not attend a particular meeting”.