Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
37. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 28 May 2024, if he will publish the non-paper and the text of the letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24834/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in my reply to PQ 24028/24, Ireland works closely with a number of other militarily neutral and non-aligned countries in Western Europe that are not members of NATO, namely Switzerland, Austria and Malta.
Last December, a non-paper and accompanying letter was prepared addressing the partnership and engagement by the four countries with NATO.
There are no plans to publish these documents at this time. However, and as I have already outlined in my previous reply to the Deputy, the non-paper and letter focused in particular on ways in which the four countries concerned are contributing to international peace and security, especially as contributing partners to peacekeeping missions, including the NATO mission in Kosovo (KFOR). The non-paper also addressed opportunities for dialogue and consultation as well as the innovation and emerging disruptive technologies agenda.
Ireland was pleased to join our fellow militarily neutral countries in co-signing this letter as it aligns fully with the Government’s approach to strengthening our cooperation with international partners, including NATO, in addressing the security challenges facing Europe.
It also aligns with the specific goals contained within our new Individually Tailored Partnership Programme, and is fully consistent with our policy of military neutrality.
