The Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA) today called for a renegotiation of the Nice Treaty so Ireland would not have to be involved with or pay for the European Rapid Reaction Force.
Speaking at the launch of the group's "No to NATO, NO to Nice" campaign, the PANA chairman Mr Roger Cole said a similar clause exists for Denmark.
"This protocol can be added to a new treaty and be put before the Irish people again. Since the Treaty of Nice does not have to be ratified until the end of 2002 there is ample time to do so."
PANA is opposed to the creation of a European army linked with NATO. "There is nothing in the Treaty of Nice which would require a UN mandate before it is used. All we have is the words of politicians, and as we have seen in their decision to join NATO's PfP they have no meaning", Mr Cole said.
He added: "There has already been a 20 per cent increase in Irish military expenditure allocation in 2001. By agreeing to the militarisation of the EU the Irish people can expect further demands for massive increases, which will mean less money for health, education or other badly needed social spending."
He said the Government was trying to rush the referendum because it did not want people to know what was in the Treaty.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen defended the Governments position today and accused PANA of misleading the public. Mr Cowen said PANA's campaign slogan was totally misleading "since a yes vote is not a vote for NATO". He added that "there is no question that a yes vote on Nice involves joining a mutual defence organisation such as NATO".
Minister Cowen also described as misleading PANA's comments on recent investment in the army. He said recent government expenditure on defence equipment was to ensure the defence forces were properly equipped. "The government makes no apology for making sure our defence forces are adequately protected," Mr Cowen said.