Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

This motion is about giving voice to the people of Ireland. It is a matter that goes beyond policy; it is about democracy. The Government's attempt to remove the triple lock without public consultation is not just a policy change but a fundamental shift in Ireland's stance on the global stage and yet the people have not been asked.

During the most recent election, neutrality and the triple lock did not really feature at all as issues affecting people’s lives. Issues like housing, health and education were a key focus for most people. When it came to foreign policy neutrality was not at the forefront. What people made very clear on the doors I knocked on in my area, and what was made clear to my colleagues doing the same, was they want the Government to pass the occupied territories Bill. However, the Government is ignoring them by prioritising a Bill to which the people have said no and delaying a clear priority they set out for the Government. They are just being ignored.

If the Government truly believes removing the triple lock is in Ireland’s best interest then it should put that to the people. Let the people debate it. Let us have a debate. As the previous speaker said, let us have a citizens’ assembly. Let us test it out to see how strong that will is. We have a very proud tradition of debating and voting on major constitutional and foreign policy decisions so let us test it and put it to the people.

Our neutrality is not just about policy; it is a defining feature of Ireland’s role in the world. It is the reason we have the longest unbroken record of UN peacekeeping service. Everybody speaking today thanked those people who are doing that on Ireland’s behalf throughout the world. Let us be respectful. We are respected internationally as an independent voice for peace and changing that is something that cannot be done behind closed doors.

The Government argues the triple lock is outdated and inefficient, but it has never once prevented Ireland from carrying out its peacekeeping duties. Removing it would strip away that safeguard and undermine the public’s trust in how we make these decisions.

It is not just about military policy; this is about democracy, trust and whether this Government believes the people have a right to a say in the future of our neutrality. They want to have that say. If the Government truly believes this change is necessary and that the people support it, it should put it to them. Let us have the conversation and see what happens. That is the democratic thing to do.

On a point mentioned twice by the Government side today, this motion is not about what has been suggested, namely, the EU and our membership. The Government should not misconstrue what people are saying-----

See this speech in context