Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is good to see Mr. Andrews and Ms Boylan back in these Houses while acknowledging the fact that I never served during their time here. I recognise that both opening statements contain differing points of view but I also recognise the work both Mr. Andrews and Ms Boylan do following their own viewpoints with such determination. This debate is so heavily politicised with Government versus Opposition that one would swear that it is a debate that is happening in every country or that we are not in a unique situation in this country with the triple lock. I do not think people are aware of that when it comes to other neutral countries.

The triple lock is not essential to ensure we are a neutral country by virtue of the fact that there are and have been other neutral countries across the world that have been neutral without a triple lock. What do some of those countries look like? How do they maintain their neutrality? Dr. Cathal Berry went into it. Mr. Andrews mentioned his contribution. I know some others have put forward other ideas around the role of this committee, the Houses or the President. I find it very hard to accept that the triple lock is the one thing protecting our neutrality or that we would instantly no longer be neutral if we did not have the triple lock when there are clearly other options out there that other countries have followed and are following successfully.