Neutrality and Triple Lock: Motion [Private Members]
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-16
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Pearse Doherty (SF), Donegal

Military neutrality is a key expression of Irish independence. It means engaging with the world while retaining the freedom to make our own decisions on foreign policy and defence. In a more dangerous world, that independence matters more than ever. When powerful states disregard international law, which has increasingly been the case, Ireland can provide that independent voice for peace, diplomacy and multilateralism.
The triple lock is part of that approach and the proposal by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to dismantle it cannot be viewed in isolation. It comes alongside deeper military co-operation with NATO states and a wider shift in Irish defence policy that we have all witnessed here.
Defence co-operation should not mean military alignment and neutrality does not mean being defenceless, yet Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael now argue that dismantling the triple lock is necessary to strengthen Ireland's defence. What a brass neck. The deficiencies in our Defence Forces were not created by the triple lock. They were the result of decades of political choices by those same parties: Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. The triple lock never prevented investment in radar, maritime surveillance, cybersecurity or our Naval Service. Indeed, Ireland needs properly staffed and equipped Defence Forces capable of protecting our land, seas, airspace and critical infrastructure. The answer is to invest in those capabilities, not dismantle the triple lock.
Meanwhile, we have Micheál Martin repeatedly pointing to the dysfunction at the UN Security Council as if this was justification for removing the UN requirement. Think about that just for a minute. At the very moment when powerful states are weakening the United Nations, Micheál Martin's answer is for Ireland to further weaken the UN. The plain truth is that this Government's proposal moves Irish foreign and defence policy away from a UN-centred approach and towards deeper co-operation with military powers and blocs that operate in their own interests, not those of Ireland. If Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil want to make such a fundamental change as they are proposing, then they should put it to the people, have the courage of their convictions, hold a referendum and let the people decide. I have no doubt they will give the Government its answer.

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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