Question on Irish neutrality

Question No. 60

Parliamentary Question – Dept Details

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he intends to enshrine Article V of the 1907 Hague Convention regarding the rights and duties of neutral states, in view of the fact that Ireland acceded to the 1907 Hague Convention in 2002; and his views on the future of Irish neutrality.
– Thomas Pringle.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 26th June, 2013.

Ref No: 29126/13 Lottery: 76 Proof: 63

REPLY

Ireland is not a party to the Hague Convention (V) respecting the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers and Persons in Case of War on Land, and there are no plans for it to become one. Incorporation of its provisions into domestic law accordingly does not arise.
The Government is fully committed to Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality, which will remain a lynchpin of our foreign policy for the foreseeable future.
Over the years, this policy, involving non-participation in military alliances, has served us well. It has helped us to speak with a distinctive and independent voice on many of the key challenges facing the world in relation to the maintenance of international peace and security. It has also reinforced our ability to contribute effectively to international peacekeeping operations and conflict resolution efforts. Successive Governments have not interpreted neutrality as meaning that Ireland should avoid international engagement. Rather, they have considered that it enhances our capacity to make a direct and significant contribution to the promotion of global peace and stability through the UN, the European Union and in bilateral action. In common with several other neutral and non-aligned States, Ireland will continue to participate in peace operations authorised by the United Nations, whether these are undertaken under direct UN command or are led by the European Union or by NATO.

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