Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2025
24. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has considered the concerns raised by academics and Defence Forces personnel (details supplied) regarding the proposed removal or amendment of the triple lock mechanism; the way in which such changes would impact Ireland’s long-standing policy of military neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30707/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra55. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department has undertaken, or plans to undertake, any formal consultation with current or former members of the Defence Forces regarding the proposed removal of the triple lock mechanism; the reason their perspectives are not being directly sought on a matter that could significantly affect overseas deployment policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31119/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra72. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline the consideration he has given and the engagements he has had regarding the impact the repeal of the triple lock neutrality protection would have on Ireland’s neutrality. [31296/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 55 and 72 together.
I can confirm that I have considered a very broad range of concerns on the Triple Lock from a wide variety of interested parties and stakeholders, which have been collected and considered over the last number of years. These considerations have been based on directly raised concerns and others have been collected as part of the consultative process.
The Consultative Forum on International Security Policy, held in 2023 to discuss topics around security and defence and Ireland’s Foreign policy, was the major public event at which the Triple Lock was discussed. The Forum took place over four days in Cork, Galway and Dublin, with 80 panellists and moderators and approximately 1,000 attendees in person. There were eighteen different sessions covering a broad spectrum of security and defence topics. All discussions were live-streamed, with over 10,000 online views. In addition, over 850 written submissions were received through the public consultation process. This Forum was open to, and attended by, many academics, current and former members of the Defence Forces as well as representatives from international institutions. The Forum provided an opportunity for open and interactive exchange of views, including in particular a balanced and well-informed discussion on the issue of UN peacekeeping and overseas deployments. The outcome of these discussions and inputs on the Triple Lock formed a central part to the Report issued by the Chair of the Forum, which is publicly available.
Five contested areas were explored in the Chair's report which included the Triple Lock, with the prevailing view, based on the discussions at the Forum and the 850 public submissions received, that the current mechanism underpinning our overseas deployments should be reconsidered. The Report was presented to Government on 17 October 2023, and a Dáil debate on the outcomes of the Report was held on 22 November 2023.
I also wish to reassure this house that my officials have consulted regularly over the last number of years with Defence Forces personnel on the development of the General Scheme of the Defence Amendment Bill 2025.
With respect to the provisions proposed around the despatch of Defence Forces personnel overseas, it is absolutely appropriate that relevant military advice was sought to underpin the legislative amendments proposed. Officials in my Department have regularly engaged with the Defence Forces therefore in seeking the views, advice and guidance of their military colleagues on the relevant matters contained within the legislation. The relevant measures proposed within the draft legislation are reflective of this consultation.
I would also like to highlight that the Defence Forces have been very active and positively engaged on the issue. The Deputy may also be aware that current and former members of the Defence Forces participated in the Consultative Forum and were very engaged in the discussions, including through participation on various panels over the course of the open consultative process.
Finally, it is important to reiterate once again that the measures proposed in the draft legislation to amend the provision around the despatch of defence forces personnel do not in any way affect Ireland's policy of military neutrality. This point cannot be emphasised enough. The Government has been very clear that it has no desire to alter Ireland’s policy of military neutrality, and the proposed amendments to the legislation are in keeping with Ireland’s values and policy of military neutrality. As this House is aware, Ireland’s policy of military neutrality is characterised by the non-membership of military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements, which is set out in the Constitution. These legislative proposals have no effect on this policy.
