Bill to abolish the Triple Lock.

The Defence (Amendment) Bill 2026 second stage was carried in Dáil Éireann 21/10/26

List of TDs who voted Tá / Yes

Aird, William; Ardagh, Catherine;Boland, Grace; Brabazon, Tom; Brennan, Brian; Brennan, Shay; Brophy, Colm; Browne, James; Burke, Colm; Butler, Mary; Butterly, Paula; Byrne, Malcolm; Byrne, Thomas;Cahill, Michael; Callaghan, Catherine; Calleary, Dara; Canney, Seán; Carrigy, Micheál; Carroll MacNeill, Jennifer; Chambers, Jack; Cleere, Peter ‘Chap’; Clendennen, John; Collins, Niall; Connolly, John; Cooney, Joe; Crowe, Cathal; Cummins, John; Currie, Emer;Daly, Martin; Dempsey, Aisling; Devlin, Cormac; Dillon, Alan; Dolan, Albert;Feighan, Frankie; Fleming, Sean; Foley, Norma;Gallagher, Pat the Cope; Geoghegan, James; Grealish, Noel;Harkin, Marian; Heydon, Martin; Higgins, Emer;Keogh, Keira; Kyne, Seán;Lahart, John; Lowry, Michael;McAuliffe, Paul; McCarthy, Noel; McConalogue, Charlie; McCormack, Tony; McEntee, Helen; McGrath, Séamus; McGreehan, Erin;Martin, Micheál; Maxwell, David; Moran, Kevin Boxer; Moynihan, Aindrias; Moynihan, Michael; Moynihan, Shane; Murnane O’Connor, Jennifer; Murphy, Michael;Neville, Joe;O’Brien, Darragh; O’Callaghan, Jim; O’Connell, Maeve; O’Connor, James; O’Donnell, Kieran; O’Meara, Ryan; O’Shea, John Paul; O’Sullivan, Christopher; O’Sullivan Pádraig ; Ó Cearúil, Naoise; Ó Fearghaíl, Seán;Roche, Peter;Scanlon, Eamon; Smith, Brendan;Timmins, Edward; Toole, Gillian;Ward, Barry.

The Bill has now been referred to Select Committee stage.

Link for text of Bill: https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/bill/2026/63/eng/initiated/b6326d.pdf

We all have to Act Now! to exert as much pressure as possible to keep the Triple Lock

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN for actions that you can take NOW.

Pic. ‘Triple Lock our Future’ action outside Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis. 15/5/2026. (Uplift)

================================================================================================================KEEP IRELAND NEUTRAL

Ireland has a long and proud history as a neutral peace-broker. The vast majority of people all over Ireland are extremely proud of this history and of Irish neutrality; but recently, the government has been trying to scrap our neutrality and get us involved in military alliances such as NATO or an EU army.

KEEP THE TRIPLE LOCK

Our neutrality depends on something called The Triple Lock. This means that in order to send more than 12 troops abroad, you must get permission from the government, the parliament/Dáil (government and opposition) and the UN (Security Council or General Assembly).

The Triple Lock works extremely well by allowing us to take part in peacekeeping missions but keeping us out of unsanctioned wars like the illegal invasion of Iraq.

People all across Ireland are coming together to say no to war and militarism and demand that we keep the Triple Lock and keep our proud and longstanding neutrality

The arms-dealers of the world see Ireland as an untapped market for their profits. They need wars in order to make money.

But we understand that our neutrality and the Triple Lock keeps us safe.

All wars must end through diplomacy and this is where Ireland can play a major role on the world stage and help bring wars to an end.
The world needs neutral peace-brokers now, more than ever and Ireland is in a very special position to help bring wars to an end.

Contact us: info@keepirelandneutral.ie

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Act Now !

1. Contact your local Fianna Fail TDs and Senators

Not all Fianna Fail politicians agree with the undermining of Irish Neutrality by their leader Micheál Martin, but not all of these representatives have the courage to speak out and vote against government plans- such as removing the Triple Lock. If enough people contact their local Fianna Fail TDs and Senators challenging them to protect our neutrality by speaking out and voting against the removal of the Triple Lock it will encourage them to represent our views.

• For a ready-to-send email template for FF TDs see: OurNeutrality.ie Protect Ireland’s Military Neutrality
• To contact FF Senators please copy the above template letter and email it to them. Contact details at this link: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/

2. Contact your local radio to cover the issue of the Triple Lock and Irish neutrality.

Message or call your local radio station regarding the need to defend the Triple Lock and Irish neutrality. Ask for the News Room, or any Current Affairs or Magazine programmes that the station broadcasts. Look out and listen for chat-shows or programmes featuring the Triple Lock/neutrality and phone-in or send in messages on-line/through social media. You can speak as a concerned individual or represent the group that you are involved in.

• Check-out our Act Now! pages for a list of local radio stations with their contact details, and some talking points to assist you when making that call.
• List of local radio stations.
• Link: https://keepirelandneutral.ie/contact-your-local-radio-station/
• Points Countering Government Arguments on Removing the Triple Lock.
• Link: https://keepirelandneutral.ie/points-countering-government-arguments-on-removing-the-triple-lock/
• If you do get any coverage on any station, or manage to make an intervention on a programme, why not share your experience? Send an email to: info@keepirelandneutral.ie

3. Hold a public meetings in your town or city for local people to hear the real facts about the Triple Lock in relation to Irish neutrality.

If you need help with organising then please e-mail us and we can put you in touch with others in your area &/or a group who can assist you.

Email: info@keepirelandneutral.ie

4. Contact all your constituency government TDs.

We know that the opposition parties are against abolition of the Triple Lock, but where do the government TDs of your own constituency stand? Please contact them by email or post to ask them to vote against the removal of the Triple Lock.

*Find your constituency TDs here: https://www.contactyourtd.ie/

5. Contact all Senators

There are 60 Members of Seanad Éireann and they can all have a say and a vote on the Triple Lock. Please contact them by email or post to protect the Triple Lock.

Contact details for Senators at this link: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/

6. Sign and share this Uplift petition to Triple Lock our Future.

Neutrality means we choose peace over war, and independence over obedience to bodies like NATO and European army generals.

The Triple Lock requires approval from the Dáil, the Government, and the United Nations before Irish troops can be deployed abroad. It safeguards Ireland’s neutrality and ensures democratic oversight of military actions.

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Events

JOIN IN THE PROTEST TO DEMAND

‘A Europe for People Not Genocide and War’.

The European Political Community Summit will take place on Thursday 12/11/2026 in Dublin, Ireland. It will bring over 50 European Heads of State or Government together with leaders of key European and international institutions, for informal political and strategic discussions.

Shannonwatch Peace Vigil.

Held on the second Sunday of each calendar month. 2-3pm at the ‘Peace Roundabout’ on the approach road leading into Shannon airport.

ALL WELCOME.

. Sign on display at the Shannonwatch Vigil

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WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT PLANNING?

In recent years, the Irish government has deepened its ties with EU military structures and NATO, continued to allow US military aircraft to use Shannon Airport, and permitted flights carrying weapons to Israel through Irish airspace.

Irish neutrality is being hollowed out – there are new ‘defense’ partnerships with the French navy and others, and most significant of all, the Dublin government is pushing legislative change to allow Irish troop deployments on EU or NATO-led missions.

By seeking to dismantle the Triple Lock — removing the requirement for a UN mandate before deploying Irish troops — the government is further undermining our neutrality. This move not only damages Ireland’s hard-earned international reputation but also increases the risk of being drawn into military operations at the behest of the United States and its allies.

THE NORTH

There is also a real push to re-militarise the north to support NATO activities, citing Irish security ‘freeloading’, the possibility of a united Ireland hostile to NATO interests, and using cold war rhetoric to talk up the threat of Russia, China and Iran.

The matter has caused internal angst within Fianna Fáil too. Several TDs and senators could express their strong feelings on the matter when the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meets this evening. Former minister for defence Willie O’Dea said this morning that a way should still be found to keep the deployment of Irish soldiers under the remit of the UN and international law. Mr O’Dea said that he hopes to share some proposals on that front when his party meets after 5pm.’

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News & Views

‘Opposition calls out ‘shameful and reckless move’ following Dáil vote to scrap triple lock’

HOT PRESS. Lily Casey 22/10/26

‘Mary Lou McDonald, Paul Murphy, and others have criticised the potential removal of the triple lock.’

Read full article LINK: https://extra.ie/2026/10/22/hotpress/triple-lock-opposition-slams-gov

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‘it’s usury and THEFT’

What is the connection between Simon Harris spending Irish Taxpayers money and the abolition of the Triple Lock? Alison McIntyre, researcher, makes her research available on YouTube. YouTube Short LINK: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yNPrWcbGRHc

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‘The Triple Lock Is Our Promise – Don’t Let Them Break It Without Asking Us’

Imelda O’ Donovan, Avondhu newspaper. 17th Sep

‘While Europe rearms, reintroduces conscription, and pours billions into weapons, a small island on the western edge of the continent is being quietly maneuvered into the same war machine – and most of us don’t even know it’s happening. Twice we voted in referendums. Twice the government promised to protect our neutrality. Now, without a referendum, without even asking us, they plan to break that promise before Christmas. What is at stake is not abstract policy , it is the last legal safeguard standing between our children and foreign wars.

The Defence (Amendment) Bill 2026, championed by Minister for Defence Helen McEntee, seeks to abolish the Triple Lock. This is the mechanism that has governed the overseas deployment of Irish Defence Forces on peacekeeping missions for over two decades. The Triple Lock is simple: before more than twelve Irish troops can be deployed on overseas peacekeeping missions, three conditions must be met : Government approval; Dáil approval and a United Nations mandate. This keeps our troops under the protection of the blue beret and ensures that any mission they serve on has the legitimacy of international law.

This mechanism was born from democracy. When we rejected the Nice Treaty in 2001, the government promised legislative safeguards to protect our neutrality. We approved Nice II on that basis. When we rejected the Lisbon Treaty, the same assurances were given. The Triple Lock was the price of our consent. Now the government wants to tear it up without going back to us, because they know what we would say.

Why it matters

Here is the critical point: Irish neutrality is not written into our Constitution, and neither is the Triple Lock. This is the gap the government is exploiting, framing this as a routine “administrative” change rather than a constitutional matter requiring a referendum. But a commitment made to secure our consent in two referendums is not routine. Breaking it without asking us is an affront to democracy.

Under Section 21 of the Bill, up to 100 Defence Forces personnel could be deployed as part of an “international force”, including EU Battle-groups and NATO-linked operations, without a UN mandate and without even a Dáil vote. There is a world of difference between peacekeeping and peace enforcement. Peacekeeping is built on diplomacy and consent. Peace enforcement means coercive military force. Without the UN mandate, our soldiers lose the protection of the blue beret. They become combatants in someone else’s conflict. We need to safeguard peace Not enforce it and not conflate the two.

The government’s smokescreen

*To find the names and contact details of current Senators please go to: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/

The government has muddied the waters with talk of undersea cables, sonar detection, cybersecurity, and Russian submarines. These are legitimate issues, but they have absolutely nothing to do with the Triple Lock, which governs only the deployment of troops on overseas peacekeeping missions. The Naval Service does not need a UN mandate to patrol Irish waters. By conflating these separate issues, the government is deliberately creating confusion.

We are told the UN Security Council is “paralysed” and that Russia could veto our peacekeeping missions. This is a fundamental misrepresentation. A veto does not target Ireland, if a resolution is vetoed , it is blocked for all member states and does not signal out one state. When a peacekeeping mission is approved , each member state can then decided to participate in that particular mission or not. The government’s claim that Russia has “a de facto veto over how we deploy our troops” is deeply misleading. The vetoes being cast in recent years are on political resolutions about Gaza, Ukraine, and sanctions, not on peacekeeping mandates, which continue to be renewed routinely. In almost eighty years, a peacekeeping mission has been vetoed only twice and that was by China over relations with Taiwan.

The situation in Lebanon exposes this further. The Security Council voted unanimously in August 2025 to end the UNIFIL mission, and the government is now using this as leverage to push through the Bill. But even the Taoiseach himself has admitted that without UN Security Council support, we cannot participate in any post-UNIFIL force. A mission without a UN mandate is not peacekeeping, there is no provision in international law for it.

Wrong priorities at the worst time

Let us talk about what is really happening across Europe. Global military expenditure hit a record $2.887 trillion in 2025. European spending surged 14% in a single year. The EU’s military budget is set to increase by 400%. Conscription is being revived across the continent in Germany, France, Denmark, Croatia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Norway, Sweden and Denmark have active gender-neutral mandatory military conscription, so does the Netherlands but active service drafts are suspended during peaceful times. France’s most senior military general has publicly stated that French society should be ready to “sacrifice its children” in order to increase defence spending and to defend the state against Russia. In Britain, Richard Knighton, Chief of Defence Staff, publicly declared “ sons and daughters, colleagues and veterans will all have a part to build, to serve and, if necessary to fight. And more families will know what sacrifice for our nation means”. This are deeply concerning comments and trends.

And where does this money come from to fund this rush to militarization? Kathleen Funchion , MEP at a recent public meeting in Clonmel, informed us of EU plans to to cut the European Social Fund (ESF) across Europe and consider pensions as financial sources to finance this expenditure. The UK’s Defence Investment Plan is reallocating £10.3 billion from civilian departments , including transport, energy security and health capital budgets, in order to finance their £15 billion expansion in military spending. Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General, has said it plainly: “spending more on defence means spending less on other priorities”.

Let’s make this real. Right here in the Fermoy, Mitchelstown, and Ballyhoura areas, ESF funding co-funds the Youthreach centre in Fermoy that gives early school leavers a second chance; the adult literacy services in Fermoy and Mitchelstown that help adults learn to read and write; the Back to Education courses that allow parents to retrain while raising their families; SICAP, delivered by Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, which tackles poverty and supports disadvantaged people into education and employment across North Cork; UBU youth services including CDYS and VTOS training for unemployed adults. These are not abstract budget lines in Brussels. They are the services our communities depend on every single day. Cut ESF funding to pour it into arms procurement, and it is these programmes and the people who rely on them, that pay the price.

We are in the worst housing crisis since the Famine. Families are living in emergency accommodation. Hospital waiting lists are at record levels. Is this really the time to divert billions into military spending? Only arms manufacturers and their investors profit from this trajectory. The rest of us pay the price – cuts in service provision, communities neglected, and ultimately the lives of our young people, particularily those from working class backgrounds who risk becoming fodder in these EU battles we should never be fighting.

Our strength is peace, not war

There are no winners in war. War never creates solutions. When the fighting ends, the issues that caused the conflict still remain. What cannot be undone is the devastation, the lives lost, the families shattered, the communities destroyed, the environmental catastrophe left behind.

Ireland is too small a nation to have any meaningful impact in war. But we have always punched far above our weight in peace. We have built an extraordinary international reputation over decades as neutral, dependable peace negotiators. We are known not just for our peacekeeping missions but for our diplomacy, our empathy, and our credibility in facilitating peaceful resolutions to conflicts around the world. Ireland played a pivotal role in the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We helped shape the Sustainable Development Goals. Our voice carries weight precisely because we are not aligned with any military bloc.

Right now, there is more demand for UN peacekeepers globally than there are people to fulfil these roles. In a time of such geopolitical uncertainty, with wars raging, the prospect of a wider conflict looming, and international law under unprecedented strain, now more than ever there is a need for a strong alternative voice. A voice for diplomacy, for peace negotiations, for a different way. Ireland can be that voice. But not if we abandon the very principles that give us our credibility.

What you can do

Here in Cork, Action Against War (AAW)has been holding public meetings across the city and county, including in Fermoy, presenting the facts and opening up conversations. AAW linked with other groups such as Tipperary Neutrality Network, the Irish Neutrality League, Keep Ireland Neutral, and groups in Galway and beyond. Over 1,000 Cork signatures will be handed to Uplift to combine with their national petition . The movement is growing. Once people understand what is at stake, they want to act.

Write to your TDs, councillors, senators, and MEPs, a handwritten letter makes far more impact than an email. Phone their offices. Meet them in person and tell them you expect them to represent your views. Talk to everyone you meet about this. Two major public meetings will be held on Monday 5th October and Friday 30th October at the Imperial Hotel, Cork City, 7–9pm, with expert panellists and a Q&A. Details on speakers will follow.

We have a responsibility to honour what our ancestors fought for and to protect the safety of our children, grandchildren, and every generation to come. This decision affects every man, woman, and child on this island. It must be put to us. We need a referendum . Nothing less is acceptable.

As the great peace activist Lelia Doolan once said, “peace takes brains.” It is time we demanded some from our political leaders in Leinster House.

Imelda O’ Donovan, is from Cork and is a life-long advocate and activist for social justice committed to transformative community education. She is a core member of Action Against War (AAW), a Cork-based campaign group working to inform communities about threats to Irish neutrality.

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‘Triple lock: Mary Lou McDonald calls for referendum on changes to Irish neutrality’

Louise Burne, Irish Examiner 20/10/2026

‘The Government should put any proposals to change the Triple Lock to a referendum rather than restricting debate on the proposal, the Dáil has heard.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told Taoiseach Micheál Martin that changing the mechanism for deploying peacekeepers would “fundamentally move Irish foreign policy away from neutrality.

The Dáil will debate the Triple Lock on Wednesday.

Currently, Dáil approval, Government approval and a United Nations (UN) mandate are required to deploy troops overseas. However, the coalition is seeking to remove the requirement for a UN mandate amid fears that members of the Security Council could veto and block missions. This would turn the Triple Lock into a Double Lock, requiring approval from the Dáil and Government.  

During a fiery Dáil debate, in which Mr Martin accused Sinn Féin of supporting Nazism during World War II…’

Read full article Link: https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/other/triple-lock-mary-lou-mcdonald-calls-for-referendum-on-changes-to-irish-neutrality/ar-AA2fEEgZ

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“The spin and misinformation around the triple lock is eye-watering

Suggesting there is ‘no link’ between the triple lock and our neutral status is akin to suggesting there is no link between the steering wheel and the brakes on a car, writes Senator Tom Clonan” 

A small step from EU Battlegroups to an EU mission against Iran.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Defence & Space Summit in Brussels on 30th September 2026 said that: “Europe was not able to take out the nuclear capability of Iran. We couldn’t. We will have the capabilities in 10 years — we can, and we should. It should also be us taking care of the Houthis in the Red Sea, and not the Americans.“

Rutte is a known warmonger who likes to cosy up to US President Donald Trump. He has praised the US bombing of Iran. Now Rutte wants a quantum leap in Nato’s warfare abilities through massive increases in ‘defense’ spending by European States. This is something that President Trump has previously made reference to.

The EU is already ramping up arms spending- something even we in neutral Ireland have become aware of- as the idea of an EU Army is talked about openly by EU leaders. The Irish Government use the repeated line of supposed threats posed by Russia in order to justify its own increases in ‘defence’ spending. So, is the real intention for the EU Army to act as a rearguard for NATO?

As for Ireland? “…of course, we won’t be in NATO according to Mr Martin, even if the Triple Lock is abolished! But it’s a small step from EU Battlegroups, in which we participate, to an EU ‘peace’ mission to Iran. Scary!”*

*Link to People’s News 290 : https://www.people.ie/news/PN-290.pdf

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‘Government is not preparing us for emergencies’

Letter published in Irish Daily Mail Tues. Oct. 6 2026

Dear Editor,

Most households should have received the BE EMERGENCY READY booklet by now.

Having read its 20 pages, it is arguably less than useless, and it may even be dangerous because it gives a false impression of the potential for very serious emergencies. It only refers to: “events like storms, flooding, cyber-attacks and disruptions to critical supply chains”.

There is no mention of possible terrorist attacks, or conventional military attacks due our government abandoning Irish neutrality, and its failure to promote international peace.

The risks of nuclear war, or nuclear accident are ignored. There are 57 nuclear reactors in France and Sellafield is too close for comfort. Radioactive fallout fell on Ireland after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. Radiation knows no borders. There are over 12,000 nuclear weapons globally. In his address to the UN, US President Trump threatened to annihilate Iran indicating the possible use of nuclear weapons. Russia threatened to use nuclear weapons if its Kaliningrad territory was attacked or blockaded.

Neutral Switzerland has 370,000 underground bunkers capable of providing shelter for all its 9 million citizens. Our Irish Government makes no provision for such shelters for its ordinary citizens.

Two important factors need to be considered in planning for emergencies. What is the most serious possible emergency, and which emergencies are the most likely to occur? In this 21st century humanity has too many irresponsible leaders. As a result, even the most serious possible emergency such as a nuclear war, may be likely to occur. It is irresponsible of our government not to plan for such emergencies and keep our citizens informed. It looks like our national planners were so afraid of another publicity debacle like the iodine tablets that they took the option of doing virtually nothing. Proper emergency planning is a deadly serious matter for the people of Ireland and all of humanity.

Edward Horgan. Castletroy, Limerick.

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‘Irish neutrality was able to endure through Europe when it acted as a peace project of 1957,

but it is unclear that it will still be intact after the 2026 defence project Europe is becoming. The time to define and protect Irish neutrality is now.

The Irish Times. Opinion. Sinéad O’Sullivan Sat. Aug. 29 2026

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*For more News & Views please scroll through our News & Views page:

https://keepirelandneutral.ie/news-views/

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Resources

To find a number of fact sheets, fliers etc. that you can download and use for campaigning in your own community to Keep Ireland Neutral & to Keep the Triple Lock, please check out our Knowledge Base/ Resources Page: https://keepirelandneutral.ie/knowledge-base/

Examples.

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NEUTRALITY ROADSHOW

To share facts on Neutrality and promote the movement to keep the Triple Lock we have recorded an online NEUTRALITY ROADSHOW.

As part of our grassroots campaign we embarked on a roadshow to talk Irish neutrality and explain the need to protect the Triple Lock with the public. Featuring a host of expert speakers, the Neutrality Roadshow has been touring the country to create a space for open dialogue and discussion, and be there to answer questions and allay fears.

Now you have the opportunity to watch the Neutrality Roadshow online.

The online event featured Patrick Bresnihan, Rory Rowan and Fionn Wallace. They spoke about the importance of preserving Ireland’s neutrality and the Triple Lock system, the militarisation of the EU, International Law, sub-sea cables, the need for social and ecological security, not armed (in)security, and more.

Watch and share the online NEUTRALITY ROADSHOW here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=encdd0PLlXE

Act Now !

Now is the time for us all to stress the importance of Irish Neutrality and oppose foreign wars.

More actions that you can take right now to keep the Triple Lock and to help protect Irish Neutrality.

Send these 5 demands on the Energy Crisis and Peace to your TDs.

Knowledge Base

‘The Triple Lock Fact Sheet. April 2026‘

– what you need to know, plus answers to the many questions you may have.

Link: https://keepirelandneutral.ie/knowledge-base/

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Briefing Paper: Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the Dáil Research Service.

This Briefing Paper proves to be a valuable resource.

‘The Price of Prosperity: How U.S. FDI is Enabling Genocide in Gaza and Eroding Our Neutrality’

by Paulie Doyle, Patrick Bresnihan and Patrick Brodie.

Read the full report here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Be6SJcDB1-6VBCrUL44Ig5eW_0yhnMRM/view?usp=sharing

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More News & Views

‘Ireland’s Drift Towards NATO and EU Military Integration’

‘A redacted Department of Defence briefing document, accessed by The Journal, warned the incoming Minister for Defence that EU “tolerance” for Ireland’s neutrality may diminish as other previously neutral states have joined NATO. The document noted that Ireland’s upcoming EU Council Presidency in 2026 will require acting as an “honest broker” on defence policy in areas “where Ireland has displayed considerable sensitivities heretofore”.’

Source: Part of ‘The Neutrality Files Volume 2’ by Uplift.

Link: https://www.uplift.ie/neutrality-files-volume-two/?utm_source=uplift&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=blast7158

‘The Neutrality Files’ brings together detailed research and investigations into attempts by the arms industry, NATO states, and certain politicians to undermine and ultimately destroy our neutrality.

Council Motions

A number of Local Councils across the island of Ireland have passed motions opposing a government imposed removal of the Triple Lock agreement.

Motions on this subject have been passed by :

Derry-Strabane, Mid-Ulster, Cavan, Donegal, Dublin City, Dublin South, Galway City, Limerick, Louth, Mayo, Waterford, Wexford and most recently Cork City.

ICTU response to Government’s proposed removal of triple lock.

‘Commenting on the Cabinet approval for the Defence Amendment Bill, Irish Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary Owen Reidy said:

“Ireland’s strong record of service on UN peacekeeping missions is something of which the Irish public are rightly proud. The country’s commitment to multilateralism and the international rule of law is a core tenet of our foreign policy.

“The Government’s decision to move ahead with the Defence Amendment Bill, which would remove the triple lock, is therefore short-sighted, and would abandon these principles which have served Ireland well over the course of decades.

“The triple lock is an important backstop against the Government of the day deploying Defence Force personnel in instances that may not be supported by international law. While we accept that the current Government has no such intention, it should be aware of potential unforeseen consequences in future.

“While acknowledging the need for reform in the security council, removing the UN from this process weakens the guarantee that deployments carry formal legal sanction. At a moment when such institutions and processes are under attack, we should be proud to maintain our commitment to them.

“The Government’s blunt approach to abolition of the triple lock also does a disservice to a much-needed debate on Ireland’s approach to its defence in the current geopolitical climate. The trade union movement urges them to reconsider this approach, and engage substantively with the Irish public on these matters”.’

Issued June 09, 2026 *Source: https://www.ictu.ie/news/ictu-response-governments-proposed-removal-triple-lock

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*For more News & Views please scroll through our News & Views page: https://keepirelandneutral.ie/news-views/

“Dismantling Triple Lock ‘profound betrayal’ – McDonald”

“Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald accused the Government of clearing the way to send Irish troops into military operations without UN approval”

“Legislation to dismantle the Triple Lock is a profound betrayal of the Irish people, the Dáil has heard.”

RTÉ Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 Read full article LINK: https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/1021/1596278-triple-lock/

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‘All sides primed for a fight in the Dáil over plans to scrap the triple lock.’

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‘Bitter exchanges in Dáil over Triple Lock legislation’

‘There have been bitter exchanges in the Dáil this afternoon ahead of the Government bringing forward legislation tomorrow to amend the Triple Lock.

Members of the Opposition held up signs while the Ceann Comhairle took to her feet to demand that they be put away.

Verona Murphy warned members of Sinn Féin and People Before Profit that they were out of order for continuing to display the A4 pieces of paper, each of which read “save neutrality”.’

Read full article LINK: https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/1020/1596129-triple-lock-vote/

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‘Ireland’s Triple Lock – Should We Keep It Or Change It?’

Thurles Information October 21st, 2026

‘The Triple Lock is being debated in Dáil Éireann today, Wednesday, 21st October 2026.

But what exactly is it, and why does it matter to ordinary Irish people?

What is the Triple Lock?
At present, before Ireland can send 12 or more soldiers on certain overseas military missions, three approvals are generally needed:

1. The United Nations (UN) must authorise the mission.
2. The Irish Government must approve it.
3. Dáil Éireann must also approve it.

Hence why it is called the Triple Lock.

What does the Government want to change?
The Government wants to remove the need for UN approval. The Irish Government and Dáil would still have to agree before our troops could be sent on these missions.

Why does the Government want this change?
At present, five powerful countries; America, Russia, China, Britain and France can each block decisions at the UN Security Council. This means that even if Ireland wants to send soldiers on a worthwhile peacekeeping mission, one of these countries could prevent the UN from approving it.
The Government believes Ireland should make its own decisions rather than depend on these powerful countries.

Could this be good for Ireland?
Yes. There are some possible benefits. Ireland could make more of its own decisions. Irish soldiers could take part in more international peacekeeping missions. Our Defence Forces could gain valuable experience. Ireland could work more closely with other European countries. We could help protect people in countries affected by conflict, even when the UN Security Council cannot agree.

But what are the dangers?
There are genuine concerns. Removing UN approval takes away an important safeguard. Future governments might face pressure to join military operations overseas. Irish soldiers could become involved in controversial or dangerous missions. Some people fear this could gradually weaken Ireland’s military neutrality.

Would Ireland be giving up its neutrality?
No, not automatically. Ireland would not suddenly become a member of NATO. We would still have our own Government and Dáil making decisions. However, future governments would have more freedom to decide which overseas military missions Ireland joins. That is why this debate matters.

What would be best for Ireland?
Many people believe Ireland should be able to make its own decisions without Russia, China, America or any other powerful country having the final say. But that freedom must come with strong safeguards.
Our soldiers should only be sent overseas for lawful missions with clear peacekeeping or security purposes, and any decision should face proper scrutiny in the Dáil. Above all, Ireland should protect its long-standing reputation as a neutral country committed to peace.
The Triple Lock should not be removed unless stronger legal safeguards are put in place first. Irish neutrality must be clearly protected in law, not simply promised by politicians. Before our soldiers are sent overseas, there should be proper Dáil approval, independent legal checks and clear proof that the mission is lawful and genuinely necessary. Ireland must never become involved in unlawful wars or military operations that undermine our independence.
We must also protect our Defence Forces. Every overseas mission should have a clear purpose, proper equipment, an assessment of the dangers involved and regular reviews by the Dáil. There should also be meaningful public consultation before major changes are made to our neutrality protections.
The Government argues that removing the UN approval requirement would give Ireland greater freedom to participate in peacekeeping. That is a reasonable argument, but greater freedom must come with greater accountability, not fewer safeguards.
Above all, we must remember that governments come and go. Any new law must protect Ireland not just today, but for future generations.
The public view is simple; Ireland should remain independent, militarily neutral and committed to peace, while retaining the freedom to make its own decisions. We should strengthen those protections before changing the Triple Lock, not afterwards

In conclusion changing the Triple Lock could benefit Ireland, but simply removing UN approval is not enough. We need a system that gives Ireland greater independence, while protecting our neutrality and ensuring that Irish soldiers are never sent into unnecessary conflicts.‘

LINK: https://www.thurles.info/2026/10/21/irelands-triple-lock-should-we-keep-it-or-change-it/

Triple Lock vote – is it time to free up where troops can be deployed?

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‘Opposition parties left and right in Dáil unite to resist shelving neutrality triple lock‘

The Irish Times Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026

LINK: https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/10/19/opposition-parties-left-and-right-in-dail-unite-to-resist-shelving-neutrality-triple-lock/

‘Opposition parties have said that they will oppose the scrapping of the Triple Lock when legislation to amend it goes before the Dáil tomorrow. Under the mechanism, the deployment of more than 12 members of the Defence Forces overseas requires Government, Dáil and UN approval.

This is, according to some, one of the most contentious commitments in the programme for Government. Large swathes of the Opposition believe the removal of the need for UN approval for overseas missions is an erosion of this country’s military neutrality. The Government argues that the change is necessary in order to prevent some permanent members of the UN Security Council blocking Irish troops’ participation in peacekeeping work.

PAST EVENTS

Pictures and details of just some past events.

“The Legacy of Frank Aiken and the role of small countries in times of danger and uncertainty” seminar. Dublin, April 2025. Speakers: Dr. Stephen Kelly (Liverpool Hope University), Dr. Patrick Bresnihan (Maynooth University), Dr. John Maguire, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at University College Cork. Organised by Lex Innocentium 21st Century/ Irish School of Ecumenics. Video of the event below. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0HP1qNtUSg

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Contact Us: info@keepirelandneutral.ie

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