7. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to clarify the precise change to the triple lock that recently announced legislation will result in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48880/25]
Sentiment score: 0.04
55. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the proposed changes to the triple lock will impact Ireland's policy of being militarily neutral; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48881/25]
Sentiment score: 0.04
For clarity, I am going to go with Questions Nos. 7 and 55 together. The Government's intention is to change legislation to the triple lock mechanism that governs the deployment of Irish troops overseas. At present, as the Tánaiste knows, that requires the approval of the Government, the Dáil and a mandate from the United Nations. Could he clarify precisely what changes are now being proposed, and outline if this will materially affect both Ireland's tradition of neutrality and the democratic safeguards that have existed up to this point?
Sentiment score: 0.29
I thank the Tánaiste for the details and his repeated clarity provided surrounding the proposed changes. Many people seem to remain unclear as to why the Government believes it necessary to move away from the existing triple lock. The cynic in me questions whether there is a co-ordinated campaign of misinformation in relation to this matter-----
Sentiment score: -0.06
-----claiming it will compromise our neutrality. I wonder where that comes from.
Sentiment score: 0.00
Will the Deputy let me speak?
Sentiment score: 0.00
Many believe the triple lock has provided a clear reassurance to the Irish people that our participation overseas is grounded in neutrality and a UN mandate. However, in an ever-increasingly precarious and uncertain world, we should not find ourselves in a position where the likes of peacekeeping missions by Irish troops could be vetoed by UN member states. There has been mention of Ukraine and in practical terms when a ceasefire and peace agreement is eventually reached there, hopefully sooner rather than later, we should not be at the mercy of countries that have built reputations on vetoes at the UN Security Council and essentially prevented deployment of Irish troops on such peacekeeping missions. Domestically, it is important that this legislation ensures that future overseas deployments continue to have broad political legitimacy and I ask for that reassurance today.
Sentiment score: 0.66
I thank the Tánaiste. Irish troops have served with distinction at Camp Shamrock for several decades, none more than Deputy Callaghan who has just departed the Chamber. We have a proud and unbroken record of deployment of troops to Lebanon. We must protect that in the best interests of Óglaigh na hÉireann as our only full-scale peacekeeping mission in the world today. We must reiterate the point that this debate is about the opportunity for the deployment of peacekeeping missions around the world and removing that element of UN authorisation will not be seen as a weakening of our international neutrality at a time when investment in military defences is increasingly important. I commend the Tánaiste's work in this area. It is important that he has given reassurance to the public that military offence is categorically not on the agenda. We must reassure the public that Ireland will never drift into overseas military operations that have some level of EU backing without them being in compliance with the UN Charter.
Sentiment score: 0.43
88. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the status of the operation of the home energy upgrade loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48877/25]
Sentiment score: 0.17
I thank the Minister of State and welcome the progress made. I agree with him on the sentiments around interest rates and the take-up. The demand for retrofitting is definitely rising but we need to monitor the correlation of draw-downs versus retrofit. There is a body of work to be done here where there is essentially cash investment in retrofitting. It is welcome but I am not so sure the broader consumer understands the need to invest. We have many debates in this House about the need for energy credits and so on but we would be better served if we invested in this area for the longer term. The only way to bring down energy bills is by investing in renewables and that is the way forward. In my own county there are situations where central heating by peat fuel is up to 40% compared to a national average of 4%. Whether it is turf fuel or oil boilers the gap between those and heat pumps is significant and there is a body of work to be done to bridge that gap.
Sentiment score: 0.28
For anyone to make a decision on a loan, he or she will consider three key, fundamental points. These are the interest rate, affordability and the loan term. That really determines whether it is feasible or viable. There is one particular cohort, which is our elderly, where the term of the loan may not make sense for them. There is a body of work to do on energy poverty and climate action. I would like to see HVO and wood pellets recognised as an intermediate measure. I mentioned the gap between peat fuel and heat pumps and I believe the likes of HVO and wood pellets should be recognised. There is also an immediate, easy fix, with no disruption to elderly people, through solar panels. We should consider a national scheme where there is free insulation, supported by an SEAI grant, with microgeneration actually funding the installers to the stage where it is paid for. The homeowner will get immediate benefit and will get the transfer of ownership once the full payment has been made. That is a measure we need to introduce for our elderly because right now, it is simply neither feasible or viable to invest in retrofitting.
Sentiment score: 0.18