The Government proposal to cut the triple lock neutrality protections stands among the most significant foreign affairs and defence policy departures in decades, so it is important that it be properly considered and understood. It is concerning that the Taoiseach's own position is consistent only in its shifting nature. Initially, the Taoiseach proposed a citizens' assembly on neutrality. Then it became a so-called consultative forum on international security policy, providing minimal interaction for the public or the Opposition, in favour of voices hand-picked by Government. When the report from that stroke reported no public appetite for change to our position on neutrality, the Taoiseach announced his plans to get rid of the triple lock neutrality protection altogether. He tells us that it will have no impact on our neutrality, despite his having told this House in 2013 that it was the core of our neutrality, and despite the Department of foreign affairs website clearly stating our European partners understand our policy of military neutrality with reference to the triple lock. The Taoiseach needs to be upfront as to why his public statements on neutrality today differ from those of the past and from those of his Government's contemporary publications. He should consider what it means to him to hold something as solemn, because he was part of the Government that made a solemn national declaration to the Irish people on the triple lock in advance of the second Nice and Lisbon treaty referendums. I invite him, and in fact all members of Fianna Fáil, to reflect on what value they believe members of the public should place on their word.

Sentiment score: 0.18