The Chairman of the Forum on Europe has called for a guarantee from the Government, backed by other EU states, that there will be no departure from Irish neutrality under Nice or earlier European treaties.
Launching his second report on the Forum's work, Senator Maurice Hayes said that squaring Irish neutrality with EU security policy remained the issue of most concern to Form participants and the wider public.
He called for a "plainly worded statement" from the Government, endorsed by its EU partners, that neutrality would not be affected by Nice, as well as reassurances that there was no plan to enter any military alliance for mutual defence or a European army.
The other main issue raised at the Forum was the lack of scrutiny by the Dáil and Seanad of EU business.
The incoming Government is expected to hold a second referendum on the Nice Treaty in the Autumn, and the Forum is planning a further series of meetings around the country at that time to give the public an opportunity to have their say on the issues involved.
