Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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191. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the legislative basis that exists for Ireland's policy of neutrality other than the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006, otherwise known as the triple lock. [29714/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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A number of States, including Ireland, pursue a policy of military neutrality. In practical terms, Ireland’s policy of military neutrality, as pursued by successive Governments, is characterised by non-membership of military alliances and non-participation in common or mutual defence arrangements. There are no plans to alter this policy at this time.

Ireland’s policy of military neutrality is not set out in, or required, by Bunreacht na hÉireann. The Constitution includes a provision that the “State shall not adopt a decision taken by the European Council to establish a common defence pursuant to Article 42 of the Treaty on European Union where that common defence would include the State.”

The triple lock refers to a three-stage process to approve the deployment of troops on a peacekeeping mission. There is no connection between the triple lock and our military neutrality. In addition, the Programme for Government makes clear that any amendments to the Triple Lock legislation will be in keeping with Ireland's policy of military neutrality.