Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE) | Oireachtas source

It has been reported that on the Taoiseach's visit to the western Balkans, the issue of regional security was discussed. I wonder whether the issue with NATO came up, and whether the issue of Ireland's new individual tailored partnership programme, a new agreement with NATO, came up. Does the Taoiseach think it is appropriate that the Irish Government is able to sign Ireland up when it is a country that remains, formally speaking, neutral? The Taoiseach is forced to say Ireland is neutral and there is no intention to get rid of Ireland's neutrality. Is it appropriate that a government is able to sign Ireland up to a new agreement which involves more co-operation with NATO and where the list of areas of co-operation is confidential? The public does not see it and we do not see it. The Government can do all of that without bringing it here to a vote of the Dáil. Is it appropriate that the Government can continue on its campaign of chipping away at what is left of neutrality and getting Ireland closer and closer to NATO?

In that context, what is the plan in terms of legislation to get rid of the triple lock? When does the Government plan to bring it forward? I think it should be brought forward as a proposal for a referendum because I think the people should decide. It would, in reality, be the end of what is left of neutrality because it means that any future Irish Government could send troops abroad on imperialist US-led adventures in the Middle East or anywhere else. I think the public should decide. What is the plan and when is the Government going to come forward with that legislation?

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