SPEECH BY THE IRISH PRIME MINISTER IN THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 28 NOVEMBER: SUMMARY OF MAIN POINTS
1. The Motion
— Declares that "full and balanced integration of the Community will lead to greater economic growth, social progress and increased employment".
— Calls for a successful conclusion at Maastricht and for an enhanced voice for the Community in international affairs.
— Hopes that "the new Union is firmly grounded in economic and social cohesion and solidarity between the member states and that all will share fully in the fruits of its economic and social development."
2. Structure and role of EC
— Changes in Europe have forced European organisations to adjust eg NATO. CSCE also has an important role in promoting stability and democracy in Europe. But EC is the anchor of stability. Need to deepen the integration of the Community and to strengthen its institutions.
— Original EC treaties "gave promise that this was already more than an inter-governmental structure".
— Accept the "three pillar" approach. Fits concept of an evolving Union. "When the time is right is should be possible to bring all three "pillars" together in one integral Community structure".
3. CFSP
— Ireland can accept objectives of CFSP.
— Have accepted the adoption of common positions by consensus in foreign policy.
— On the scope of joint action, hope new areas might be added by unanimity after full consideration in the European Council, eg relations with the Soviet Union, CSCE policies, nuclear non—poliferation, arms control and confidence-building measures.
— "All decisions on matters of policy should be by consensus".
— Advocated unanimity to define areas where implementing decisions can be taken by QMV. Unanimity is safeguard, but this procedure would admit the principle of majority voting into CFSP.
4. Defence
— Might accept agreement now to form a common defence policy at a later date (in 5 or 6 years).
— Would consider participation if Community were to develop its own defence arrangement.
— Joint action on defence, Community taking on a military capacity are not issues in present negotiations.
— "I do not think that we should rule out a relationship between political union and the Western European Union." WEU could have peacekeeping or humanitarian role. Non-WEU states could act separately, but in parallel.
