122. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence whether public consultation has been undertaken in relation to any proposed changes to the triple lock; and whether the Government will commit to a referendum should any fundamental alteration to Ireland’s neutrality arise from such changes. [44028/26]

Sentiment score: 0.13

Do I not come in for the first 30 seconds?

Sentiment score: 0.00

The triple lock was created through the democratic decision of the Irish people. The triple lock was introduced in 2001 after the defeat of the first referendum on the Nice treaty. When that referendum was defeated, the Government noted that the main concern in the referendum was the issue of Irish neutrality and its erosion. The triple lock was an essential part of the passing of the second referendum on the Nice treaty. Every home in the country received a leaflet from the Government with the triple lock written into it, saying that if they voted for the Nice treaty in the second referendum, they would get the triple lock. While it is not written in the Constitution, it is morally and politically coupled with that democratic decision. The fact that the Government is looking to decouple it from that decision is profoundly antidemocratic. I do not think the Minister of State understands the whole issue of Irish neutrality. When large military blocs, such as the USA, Russia and China, are in opposition to each other, taking sides with either group is by definition military alignment. The reason the Government is going down this route is because of the changes in the European Union. Ursula von der Leyen has stated very openly that she wants to create an EU defence union. In reality, the Government is doing this undercover. I ask the Government to at least put it to a referendum. Do not be afraid of the people in terms of a referendum.

Sentiment score: 0.07

What we are seeing here is choreography. It is not a conspiracy. Ursula von der Leyen did not hide the fact when she ran for the European Commission Presidency that she wanted an EU defence union. She said it very clearly. She has stated clearly that her objective in the EU parliamentary term is defence and security issues. We have had an EU Defence Commissioner since 2024 whose objective is the defence of the EU. This is not a conspiracy. These are actions that are taking place. Very soon after that discussion, Deputy Micheál Martin said he welcomed the changes to the EU treaties that would reduce the power of nation states to determine decisions on issues such as defence, the military and security. Even the decision-making within the EU is to see a far more diluted influence over nation states. Large nation states fight wars for their national interests. Small nation states will not have influence over those decisions, but will have to send their young people to fight those wars. All we are asking the Government to do is put it to the people. This is the reason the triple lock existed in the first place.

Sentiment score: 0.11

They are rearming, in case the Minister of State has not seen it.

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The Minister is contradicting Deputy Byrne.

Sentiment score: -0.32