What the EU is doing in this area is similar to what the UN already does with the UN Standby Arrangements System. In summary, Ireland's contribution of up to 850 members of our Defence Forces does not in any way affect our long-standing policy of military neutrality to which the Government remains firmly committed. Nor is any mutual defence arrangement involved. I hope that these explanations will put Deputy Gormley's mind at rest. Let me assure him that neutrality is not in danger and Ireland will continue to play a positive role in keeping with our long-standing tradition in peacekeeping.
Irish people are generous and outward-looking.
They want the countries of Central and Eastern Europe to have the same opportunities we have had in a safe secure environment. This makes sense for Europe. It is also good sense for Ireland. An objective assessment of the relatively limited changes proposed by the Treaty of Nice must be that Ireland has nothing to fear, and much to gain, from equipping the Union to face the challenges ahead. As I have already stated the purpose of the Treaty of Nice is to make the changes necessary to prepare the Union for enlargement.