asked the Minister for Defence if he will (a) outline the main points of the Government's defence policy and (b) arrange an early Dáil debate on defence policy.

The Government's defence policy is directed towards preserving the sovereignty and security of the State from a neutral position, outside military alliances, and towards supporting the Government's commitment to the pursuit of peace in the world. There will be an opportunity to debate defence policy when the 1986 Estimate for Defence is presented to the Dáil for consideration.