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Tue 02 Feb 2009Ireland not to opt out of EU security policy, says Martin
THE GOVERNMENT will not opt out completely from European security and defence policy (ESDP) in response to last year’s rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, according to Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin.
“No that is not being considered. That was never considered,” Mr Martin told journalists yesterday when asked if the Government was planning a Danish-style opt-out from ESDP. But he said there was no final decision yet on whether Ireland would withdraw from the European Defence Agency, which helps states to improve defence capabilities by promoting research and development and co-operation on armaments procurement.
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