Neutrality and the Dooge Report
Lenihan sought an assurance that neutrality remained a basic principle and was not being traded for greater European defence cooperation. The Chair ruled the supplementary out of order; the Taoiseach noted Lenihan’s previous position on defence commitments and said Senator Dooge disagreed with the report’s defence sections.
Arising from the reply and the matters involved in what is called the Dooge Report, will the Taoiseach make to the House a clear and unambiguous statement that Irish neutrality is a basic principle of Irish foreign policy and is not for sale by the Taoiseach, Senator Dooge, the Minister for Defence, or any other Minister of the Government?
Comment on this
It arises directly, with all respect. It arises directly out of the Dooge investigation committee, or whatever you like to call it, which is concerned about getting Ireland more involved in Community security and defence matters.
Comment on this
I note that the question comes from a Deputy who, during the debate in 1981 when the Leader of the Opposition set out their policy on neutrality, said that in the referendum our people endorsed the decision to enter Europe and to participate in defence commitments after the achievement of political integration. The House should at least know the point of view of the Deputy who asked the question. With regard to the report, as the Deputy will be aware, Senator Dooge has put down a disagreement on the sections of the report dealing with defence.