The abolition of the triple lock would be the final nail in the coffin for Ireland’s neutrality as we know it, according to Social Democrats defence spokesperson Sinéad Gibney.
Deputy Gibney made her comments as the Cabinet met today to sign off on the Defence Amendment Bill. The legislation will result in the removal of the triple lock – the mechanism that requires Dáil and government approval, as well as a UN mandate, whenever more than 12 members of the Defence Forces are being deployed on overseas peacekeeping missions.
She said:
“This government continues to mislead the public on why it wants to dismantle the triple lock – a central tenet of Irish foreign policy for decades. It is doing so under the guise of increased geopolitical volatility and conflict around the world.
“However, the reality is that our country’s ability to defend itself is in no way enhanced by the removal of the triple lock.
“In fact, back in 2013, Micheál Martin described the triple lock as a core part of Irish neutrality. Now his government is saying the opposite, claiming its removal will have no impact on our neutrality.
“Poll after poll has shown that neutrality is something the people of Ireland deeply value. But make no mistake – ending the triple lock will be the final nail in the coffin for Irish neutrality as we know it.
“The government also raises Irish sovereignty as another excuse for abolishing the triple lock. This argument is difficult to stomach when it continues to allow US military flights into Shannon Airport.
“Like most Irish people, I am incredibly proud of our Defence Forces having the longest unbroken record of peacekeeping of any nation. But they have done so under the blue helmet and beret. Without a UN mandate, it is not peacekeeping – it is peace enforcement.
“Walking away from the UN will send a clear signal that we no longer care about multilateralism. That is why, along with other members of the Opposition, the Social Democrats will be strongly opposing this legislation.”
January 27, 2026