Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
122. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence if she will outline her proposals to remove the Triple Lock neutrality protection; when she intends to bring forward a Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72048/25]
View answer137. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if she plans to introduce legislation on the triple lock; if so, when she intends to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71836/25]
View answer145. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence in the context of Government plans to introduce legislation on the triple lock; the particular deployments or type of deployments of the Defence Forces that she believes she is precluded from making under the current legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71837/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 137 and 145 together.
As Minister for Defence, I am committed to introducing legislation to reform the Triple Lock. It is not acceptable to the Government that any one of five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council have an essential veto on Ireland participating in Peacekeeping missions overseas.
The General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025 was approved by Government in March of this year.
The General Scheme was subsequently referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security for consideration under the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny process.
The purpose of this Bill is to:
(a) revise and consolidate the current legislation, including the provisions concerning the operation of the so-called 'Triple Lock' mechanism, relating to the despatch of members of the Defence Forces for service outside the State; and,
(b) give effect to recommendations pertaining to suspension and associated provisions contained within the report prepared by Mr Peter Ward, Senior Counsel, concerning the management of members of the Defence Forces charged, with or convicted of, serious criminal offences.
Prior to my recent appointment as Minister for Defence, there has been very detailed engagement on this legislation, most recently as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny process which provided the Committee with the opportunity to examine the Heads and to consult relevant stakeholders on the proposed Bill.
The Committee conducted a very thorough piece of work which reflected the views of a wide range of stakeholders I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Committee for their report, which I am now considering as part of the drafting process for the Bill.
I can perfectly understand the concerns that some people have around this legislation and I want to assure them that this Bill will not impact on Ireland’s policy of military neutrality. Ireland's policy of military neutrality is characterised by the non-membership of military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. However, I ask that Deputies reflect on the much- changed geopolitical landscape over the last number of years and resulting challenges arising globally and at UN Security Council level. I believe that the Defence Forces have played a really key role in peace keeping abroad, but Deputies must also be aware that no new peacekeeping mission has been authorised in the U.N. since 2014.
Ireland has always taken an active approach to global challenges and making significant contributions to international peace and security, and will continue to do so. The proposed changes will remain fully consistent with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
