Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party) | Oireachtas source

A referendum is the proper place for that. The people of Ireland would send a very clear message to the Government about their feelings on this matter, but it will not allow a referendum on the matter. The Government knows the people do not support this direction, so instead of asking, it is sneaking it through.

The Government tells us it is about flexibility and not letting one country's veto stop us from acting, but what it really is about is the first step on a slippery slope. Today, it is about peacekeeping; tomorrow, it is about deployments without proper oversight; and next week we will be tied into someone else's military agenda whether we like it or not.

We are a neutral country. We are not part of NATO. We are not part of a military alliance and we do not need to be. We are respected across the world as peacekeepers, not aggressors or enforcers. We do not need to change that; we need to protect it.

Independent Ireland, the party I am proud to represent, is clear. We will oppose any removal of the triple lock. We will not stand for Irish troops being sent into conflict zones without the backing of the Irish people and international legitimacy. If the Government wants to change that, it can take it to the people in a vote and let them decide. Until then, I urge the Minister not to mess with neutrality or the trust of the Irish people in how we use our Defence Forces. The Government should not change a core policy without the people's consent. I fully support the motion, which respects our neutrality, democracy and sovereignty. I urge every TD in this House who still believes in those things to do the same.

In a number of interviews the Minister for Foreign Affairs mentioned that we are spending more money on our Defence Forces. I have no issue with that because over the years little or nothing has been spent. Members of the Defence Forces have been treated appallingly. I listened to a radio interview recently where it emerged that even some retired members of the Defence Forces cannot find a home for themselves. People find themselves in a difficult situation. They have been treated very poorly all along.

I agree that money should be spent on the protection of the State. We must defend our country. We recently saw ships training off our coastline in an area where there are underwater cables. That caused serious concern. Sometimes we do not have the resources or manpower to protect our nation. From now on, that is where our focus must be. It is not too long ago that the door fell off a Defence Forces helicopter while it was in the air. The situation in which we find ourselves in this country is that money needs to be spent, but spent here to protect the Irish people going forward. I support the motion.

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