I know there has been much discussion on this already. I ask the Minister to commit to a public plebiscite on the question of the removal of the triple lock. Many have spoken in here, including Deputy Crowe, to the Irish people's belief in relation to an independent foreign policy, our neutrality and how they are completely against any movements away from this. They feel and believe the triple lock is that. It was offered previously as a protection and now it is being taken away.

Sentiment score: 0.06

We start from the point of view of the UNDOF mission to the Golan Heights and the fact that it was a governmental decision to step aside and remove us from that operation that we have been engaged in for a huge period of time. That is down to the fact that there was a run-down allowed of the Defence Forces. The one thing the Minister will get agreement on throughout the Chamber and throughout the campus is that there has been a long-term failure to invest in the Defence Forces and that when we even spoke of neutrality we did not have the capacity to actually operate as many other neutral countries or states did. That is a failing that needs to be addressed and I am not quite sure that is happening. We are hearing statements from the Minister about how she is going to deal with the Russian shadow fleet. How is that going to operate on a day-to-day basis? In relation to the triple lock and what the Minister has proposed as regards checks and balances, how would they actually work?

Sentiment score: 0.02

I get there is not going to be agreement. That could be taken from the first question, never mind some of the latter questions that were asked on this. I get that there is no constitutional requirement for the Government to call a referendum. I am just stating that asking the Irish people is the right thing to do. What engagement has there been in relation to changes to the triple lock? I will again ask the Minister to explain these checks and balances on what a peacekeeping mission is. The Minister spoke about how this is only updating legislation, how it is absolutely necessary and that we are in a much different place from the 1960s. I accept that, but it is not like in the 1960s there was not the possibility of nuclear war. As far as I know, the Cuban missile crisis happened on 28 October,1962. They were very difficult times and these are very difficult times. Nobody needs Ireland to be a military superpower. We do not have the capacity to be one. We do need to make sure we have an up-to-date, upgraded Defence Forces that are fit for purpose, but we also need to protect independent foreign policy and that is the reason why we have been respected as peacekeepers throughout the world.

Sentiment score: -0.00

We have already spoken about the issues in relation to retention and recruitment. It is necessary that resourcing, training, and particularly buildings, barracks and living accommodation would be up to scratch and we need to ensure that we see delivery in relation to Aiken Barracks. Aiken Barracks has huge history. It has huge connection with Dundalk, and particularly that area in The Quay, where it is situated, and the 27th Infantry Battalion. There is a huge level of respect for those in the Defence Forces. I have a question, obviously, for Dundalk and those involved with the military in Dundalk, and family particularly, on the sad loss of Private Seán Rooney. I would be grateful if I could get an update in relation to the Minister's engagements with the Lebanese and in relation to the necessity of finding justice for the late Private Rooney.

Sentiment score: 0.26

162. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence to report on any progress made in the investigations into the death of a Defence Forces member who was killed on duty in Lebanon (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12378/26]

Sentiment score: -0.23

What progress has been made in relation to those investigations that fall under the Minister's remit? I refer to the huge loss of Private Seán Rooney to his community, family, friends and comrades. I am talking about everybody in Newtowncunningham and across Dundalk. It is a matter of ensuring that we see the State playing its part in delivering truth and justice for the family of Private Seán Rooney.

Sentiment score: 0.43

I appreciate the sentiment and the promises the Minister has made. It is very important that we engage with the Lebanese. They made a number of promises, first of all to do everything they could with regard to apprehending Mohammad Ayyad, who was found guilty of the murder of Private Seán Rooney, and to appeal those other cases. I do not think anybody within this entire building or anyone you were to talk to throughout Ireland would be happy with the results. Some of the sentences were particularly disgraceful. What is the update in that regard? If the Minister does not have it, perhaps I can get it in writing. There is an engagement with the UN. Beyond that, we had the independent inquiry by Mr. Michael Delaney SC. Where is that at? It is vital that we have learnings from what happened to Private Seán Rooney, Trooper Shane Kearney and all those involved. We need to ensure that we have best practice, that we have truth and justice for the family, especially for Seán's mother, Natasha, and that we learn what we can from what was a dreadful incident. It would have been a lot worse had it not been for the bravery of Private Seán Rooney.

Sentiment score: 0.21

I agree with the Minister. I certainly hope that we do not have to deal with many more cases like that of Private Seán Rooney, who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is necessary that the State would follow through on that sacrifice. I accept what the Minister has said about there being many strands in operation. Perhaps I could be updated on where that independent investigation is and be given whatever information can be provided on the engagement with and progress by, or lack thereof, the Lebanese. That can be provided in writing. While I am here, and although I will be following up on this with the Minister later, are there any plans for updating the Army Pensions Act? I know there is a particular issue that is being dealt with and there is engagement with the Department at the minute. This is about ensuring that all families are treated right, particularly of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. That is the piece we need to do in both life and death.

Sentiment score: 0.22

186. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence whether there are plans to examine or revise the Army Pensions Acts to ensure fair treatment of families who have lost loved ones who are members of the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12379/26]

Sentiment score: 0.27

Will the Minister indicate whether there are plans - because there should be plans - to revise the Army Pensions Act and ensure fair treatment for families? There is a very particular issue that I have dealt with before. I know there is interaction between the man's family and the Department. I will not get into the specifics of that but in the long term we need to update that legislation to ensure we do right by the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Sentiment score: 0.28