Neutrality and policy choices

We need an informed debate

Sir, – Edward Horgan (Letters, December 4th) states that “Ireland is in breach of international laws on neutrality by allowing Ukrainian soldiers to be on Irish territory” and, further, that “our Government is abandoning active Irish neutrality”.

The Government’s recorded position is that Ireland is politically not neutral but is militarily non-aligned. Prof Dame Richardson in her report (October 10th) on the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy observes that “this appears to be a uniquely Irish approach” (to neutrality). This unique version of neutrality allows the Government to provide military assistance to Ukraine or to anyone else it chooses to assist militarily.

An informed discussion on neutrality, however we perceive it, is long overdue. – Yours, etc,

BRENDAN CONWAY,

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New Quay,

Co Clare.