Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

It is not too important for every Member, if they are interested in the matter, to attend the meeting and express their point of view. If that committee comes up with a radical difference of opinion, which deserves further debate in this House, we can decide it in that context. However, let us first ascertain where people stand on the issue. I agree with Deputy Quinn that our opposition regarding neutrality is well understood. The Government stands behind the triple lock unambiguously. I remind Deputy Quinn that one of his would-be allies in an alternative government has rubbished and opposed the idea of a triple lock. I will not go further than that. There is agreement between the Deputy and this side of the House on the maintenance of the triple lock, but there is no agreement on the maintenance of the triple lock on the other side of the House.

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