Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Social Democrats for allowing me some time on this important motion. I wish the Minister of State well in his position. He knows my position on this. My position is that the triple lock is sacrosanct. Our neutrality is sacrosanct.

I was concerned about two years ago when the Taoiseach had a roadshow with hand-picked people to try to soften up the public for a change to our neutrality. The Taoiseach has also said that our neutrality is an outdated concept. I do not believe it is and I think the matter should go to the people. We should let the people decide. We tell them they are sovereign, and they should be sovereign. There has to be a vote. We know how this came about after the Nice referendum, when the people said, "No", and the Government went back to soften them up. We must respect the people's vote and why they voted.

It would fit the Minister of State and Taoiseach better to give proper respect to our peacekeepers, including those who fought the heroic battle in Jadotville. The Taoiseach, Deputy Martin, when in opposition, promised that he would look after them. They have not received recognition. Those involved in Jadotville are almost all gone and need recognition, and that should happen during this Dáil.

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