Tom Clonan (Independent)

I thank the witnesses for all the answers they have provided. Some of the questions have been difficult but they have been clear in their answers. I agree with Senator Kyne to an extent that there are elements of the triple lock that are problematic for now. However, this is not modifying the triple lock; it is simply removing it. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked if politicians should always be trusted without a safeguard. Ideally, yes, but without any malice, we have had Governments engage in disastrous decisions, during the Celtic tiger and during the austerity years. Government can make mistakes. Is there a safeguard in the amendment that replaces the triple lock that gives us some kind of barrier against that risk?

Finally, Ms Maguire mentioned each mission would be assessed on the principles of international law and that there is a community of decision-makers and experts between the Departments of Defence and foreign affairs, the Department of the Taoiseach or whoever. Are they not the community of decisions-makers that has overseen the complete and utter collapse of our defence in the maritime, air, cyber and ground domains? How can we rely on that community of decision-makers, given the state the Defence Forces are in? We are Europe's weakest link with regards to our maritime, air, ground and cyber security. This is not personal to the witnesses. It is a situation they have inherited, unfortunately. With that type of decision-making, is there anything in this legislation that replaces the safeguards, however faulty they are, that are contained in the triple lock?