A cross-party group of Irish politicians opposed to the Treaty of Nice today called for an amendment to the State's constitution preventing it from signing up to international military alliances.
Voters in the Republic are expected to face a referendum on ratification of the treaty - which paves the way for EU enlargement - next month.
Several members of the Dáil, including Sinn Féin's Caoimhghin O Caolain and John Gormley and Trevor Sargent of the Green Party, are supporting the so-called Neutrality Bill. Mr O Caolain, Sinn Féin's sole representative in the Dáil, said today: "There is no doubt that the Treaty of Nice militarises the European Union.
"The treaty establishes a political and security committee which will work in tandem with the EU military committee and the EU military staff and have the power to deploy the EU army the rapid reaction force."
The treaty, signed by EU foreign ministers earlier this year, must be ratified by the 15 EU parliaments and the European Parliament by the end of 2002.
It lays out reforms in preparation for a dozen states, mostly in eastern Europe, to join the EU, while dealing with the necessary changes to the allocation of votes in an enlarged union. Mr O Caolain said: "This neutrality amendment is essential now.
"If, as the Government claims, Nice does not erode neutrality, then it should adopt this amendment to ensure that the next step in the abandonment of neutrality - a mutual defence pact between EU states - is never taken."
To the article in the constitution which commits the state to the principle of resolving international disputes by negotiation, the group is seeking a referendum on adding the clause: "To this end, the state shall, in particular, maintain a policy of non-membership of military alliances".
Simultaneous referenda on ratification of the Nice Treaty, removal of references to the death penalty in the constitution and on judicial conduct and impeachment are due to be held on June 7, though the date is yet to be confirmed.
Roger Cole, chairman of the Peace and Neutrality Alliance, which is sponsoring the Neutrality Bill, said: "Successive EU treaties have eroded Irish neutrality - it must now be protected constitutionally."
PA