The D\u00e1il will debate a Social Democrats\u2019 motion on Wednesday (March 26) calling for a people\u2019s vote, or plebiscite, on the future of the Triple Lock.<\/p>\n
Sin\u00e9ad Gibney, the party\u2019s spokesperson on international affairs and defence, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Triple Lock, which has been a central tenet of Irish foreign policy for decades, means 12 or more members of our Defence Forces can only be deployed on overseas missions if there is approval from Cabinet, the D\u00e1il and, crucially, if the mission is UN-mandated.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen previous governments were trying to pass the Nice and Lisbon Treaties, the Triple Lock was held up at the time as a guarantee that Ireland\u2019s policy of military neutrality would be retained as we forged closer links with the EU.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut now, despite these previous commitments, the current government is attempting to scrap this essential safeguard without having a national debate on the issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe UN may not be perfect. However, it is the one unique global institution that can provide the assurance that underpins the Triple Lock. And if the UN element is removed in upcoming legislation \u2013 where the government will have a clear majority to vote it through \u2013 which international oversight body, if any, will replace it?<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven the Triple Lock\u2019s centrality to our neutrality, the people of Ireland deserve to have a say on its future.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is why, on Wednesday, the Social Democrats will introduce a D\u00e1il motion calling for a plebiscite to be held on the government\u2019s plans to dismantle the Triple Lock. We will be urging parties from all sides of the House to engage in this important debate and support our proposal for a people\u2019s vote on the issue.\u201d<\/p>\n