The Amsterdam Treaty will safeguard Irish neutrality and make an EU common defence less rather than more likely, according to the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern. Speaking to the Council of the Institute of European Affairs last night, Mr Ahern said the Treaty states explicitly that the Union's policy shall not prejudice 'the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain member-states'.
This reference had been inserted to take account, among other things, of Irish neutrality. The treaty also made a future EU common defence subject to safeguards.
'First, it would require a consensus decision in the European Council where Ireland has a veto. Second, even if the European Council were to take such a decision, it would be subject to adoption by each member-state in accordance with its own national requirements.
'Third, in the case of Ireland, the Government has given a commitment that a referendum would be held if the issue should arise in the future, and fourth, EU common defence would require substantial treaty revision, and thus a further inter-governmental conference in which each member-state has a veto, the results of which would have to be put to the people in a referendum.'
Mr Ahern said he was confident voters would support the treaty and indicate their support for European integration.