Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)

I will not interrupt the Minister of State and I would appreciate the opportunity to finish. The triple lock is under threat from this Government. That is the case. It is a vital safeguard to protect neutrality. Removing the triple lock would remove the third arm of the lock and would allow the Government, which is effectively the Cabinet, to act. As Deputy John McGuinness said here not so long ago, the Government is increasingly becoming a small number of individuals. It is not simply the Cabinet but the leaders of respective parties. As Deputy McGuinness said, we must be cautious and careful in relation to this. I urge the Government to reconsider. If it is so intent on removing the triple lock, let us put it to the Irish people. Let the Irish people decide.

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