Mairéad Farrell
Question:137. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the merits of a referendum on Irish neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15460/25]
View answerTuesday, 1 April 2025
Questions (137)
Written answers
Ireland’s policy of military neutrality means that Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements.
As I have said in this House on previous occasions, the Government has no plans to alter our long-standing policy of military neutrality, join a military alliance or enter into a mutual defence arrangement. As such, a referendum on Ireland’s neutrality is not necessary or appropriate.
However, it is clear that our policy of military neutrality does not insulate us from the impacts of the rapidly changing and volatile international security environment that has become the new reality across Europe. Against this backdrop, we recognise the need to take our security and our responsibility towards our like-minded partners, more seriously than ever.
The Constitution already establishes the framework within which Ireland conducts its international relations. Article 29.1 provides that "Ireland affirms its devotion to the ideal of peace and friendly co-operation amongst nations founded on international justice and morality."
Article 29.4.9 sets out that the State “shall not adopt a decision taken by the European Council to establish a common defence pursuant to Article 42 of the Treaty on European Union where that common defence would include the State”.
In the context of an increasingly challenging international security environment, the Government’s view is that a referendum enshrining Ireland’s neutrality in the Constitution would significantly constrain the Executive’s ability to exercise its policy-making authority in respect of the conduct of external relations, as outlined in Article 29 of the Constitution.
Accordingly, the Government has no plans to bring forward legislation to hold a constitutional referendum on neutrality.
Question No. 138 answered orally.