Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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285. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has consulted Defence Forces personnel regarding the proposed removal of the triple lock neutrality mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30728/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I wish to reassure the Deputy that my officials have consulted regularly over the last number of years with Defence Forces personnel on the development of the General Scheme of the Defence Amendment Bill 2025.

With respect to the provisions proposed around the despatch of Defence Forces personnel overseas, it is absolutely appropriate that relevant military advice was sought to underpin the legislative amendments proposed. Officials in my Department have regularly engaged with the Defence Forces over the last number of years in seeking the views, advice and guidance of their military colleagues on the relevant matters contained within the legislation. The relevant measures proposed within the draft legislation are reflective of this consultation.

I would highlight to the Deputy that the Defence Forces have been very active and positively engaged on the issue. The Deputy may also be aware that serving and former members of the Defence Forces participated in the Consultative Forum on International Security in June 2023 and were very engaged in the discussions relevant to this Bill, including through participation on various panels over the course of the open consultative process.

Finally, it is important to again reiterate once again that the measures proposed in the draft legislation do not affect Ireland's policy of military neutrality.