Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I start by acknowledging that we live in very turbulent and troubling times. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, Israel's destruction of Gaza and Trump's threats of a trade war are examples of this. As a result, foreign policy debates like this are increasingly important. We need these discussions and debates on Ireland's role in the world, what it means to be neutral today and how we prepare for a less certain tomorrow. It is also important to acknowledge from the off that these are complicated and complex policy areas.

Since becoming a TD a few short months ago, I have noticed that many issues across many policy areas are often presented in black and white terms. This does a disservice to debates, the Dáil and the people who elect us. We need to spend more time acknowledging the grey and shed light on the complex and challenging parts of these problems. We need to discuss these issues with due care and consideration. Ultimately, we need wider national debate. That is why we should put the question of a triple lock to the people.

I was disappointed to hear a Fine Gael back bench TD recently describe the proposal of a plebiscite as "makey-uppy". Plebiscites have been held in the past. We had one in Limerick and Cork on the issue of directly elected mayor and there is no reason why we cannot pass enabling legislation to carry one out on another national policy issue. Equally, Articles 27 and 47 of the Constitution provide for ordinary referendums on policy issues which do not involve textual changes to the Constitution.

I am deeply concerned about increasing militarisation in the world. Ireland has an important role to play on the world stage as a voice for peace and peacekeeping. That said, I am not blind to the increased threats we face. We need to be better prepared to defend ourselves and our vital infrastructure. I am also keenly aware of the threats faced by other members of the EU. We are, after all, a family of nations. I would like to strongly challenge the assertion of the Minister of State that we do not support EU membership. I am fully in support of EU membership.

We need to consider how best we can contribute to the de-escalation of those threats. For me, this is through the wider promotion of peace, co-operation and shared prosperity. It involves greater dialogue, discussion and engagement at a global level. It means being the conveners and experts in peace talks and peace building. It means being trusted to lead those talks as a neutral country. It means continuing to be dedicated peacekeepers. It is about multilateralism, based on the principles of equality, inclusion and co-operation, that aims to foster a more peaceful, prosperous and stable world. It is about a central role for institutions such as the UN. For me, this is why the triple lock matters.

In a world of ongoing wars, let us be the voice of peace and peacekeeping. In an era of increasing militarisation, let us not be afraid to be different, stand out and say, "Stop". In a time of increasing isolationism, let us lean into co-operation, multilateralism and the UN. Ultimately, it is time for a serious national debate on defence, neutrality and the triple lock. It is time to put this to the people.

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