Neutrality and Triple Lock: Motion [Private Members]
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-16
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Sorca Clarke (SF), Longford-Westmeath

There are many aspects to this debate that I find deeply concerning but there is one that really irks me. Neutrality does not mean being defenceless, a fact that this and previous Governments have deliberately blurred. The triple block is about circumstances where Defence Forces personnel can be deployed overseas: UN mandate, Government decision and Dáil approval for significant deployments. It does not stop Ireland defending our airspace. It does not stop us from protecting our territorial waters or our critical infrastructure and nor does it stop investment in radar, cybersecurity or maritime surveillance. It certainly did not cause the decades of underinvestment in our Defence Forces. The responsibility for that lies squarely with successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments.
If the Government is genuinely concerned about Ireland's security, then deal with the known and emerging vulnerabilities that we have. Properly resource our Defence Forces. Retain our skilled personnel that we train. Rebuild our Naval Service. Develop the air, maritime, radar and cyber capabilities that every modern nation needs.
Neutrality also does not mean being isolationist, yet at a time when the Government is considering deeper involvement with other military structures, removing a safeguard like the triple lock that governs overseas deployment deserves far more scrutiny than what the Government appears willing to give it. I find that incredibly telling. The triple lock has not prevented generations of Irish peacekeepers serving with distinction around the world. It has not prevented humanitarian missions or the evacuation of Irish citizens. Does the Minister know what has prevented the evacuation of Irish citizens? It is our Defence Forces not having the capability to get to that country to get our citizens out. It is also not what has left those massive gaps in our national defence. Again, that is Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
If the Government wants to fundamentally alter the safeguards around our neutrality, then it should stand up, put on the big boy and girl pants and ask the people of Ireland. Put it to a referendum.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-09-16/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-16