Fianna Fail's parliamentary party has endorsed the Government's decision in principle to join Partnership for Peace later this year, despite some criticism of the move at yesterday's weekly meeting.
A motion tabled by Mr Sean Haughey called for a debate within the party on the issue, given the election manifesto pledge not to join the NATO-sponsored body, and recent public commitments to the contrary by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews.
The party's 1997 manifesto said: "We oppose Irish participation in NATO itself, in NATO-led organisations such as Partnership for Peace, or in the Western European Union beyond observer status."
Mr Haughey questioned whether membership of the PFP was in keeping with Ireland's neutrality. The Taoiseach's constituency colleague, Ms Marian McGennis, suggested the matter should be the subject of a referendum, even if this is not required by the Constitution.
Mr Andrews gave assurances that PFP membership would not affect neutrality.
Mr Ahern said there appeared to be general support for the decision to join but also a desire to clarify some issues relating to Irish membership.
A meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs has voted in private session to endorse the Government's decision to join PFP.