The Dáil will debate a Social Democrats’ motion on Wednesday (March 26) calling for a people’s vote, or plebiscite, on the future of the Triple Lock.
Sinéad Gibney, the party’s spokesperson on international affairs and defence, said:
“The 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 Dáil and, crucially, if the mission is UN-mandated.
“When 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’s policy of military neutrality would be retained as we forged closer links with the EU.
“But now, despite these previous commitments, the current government is attempting to scrap this essential safeguard without having a national debate on the issue.
“The 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 – where the government will have a clear majority to vote it through – which international oversight body, if any, will replace it?
“Given the Triple Lock’s centrality to our neutrality, the people of Ireland deserve to have a say on its future.
“That is why, on Wednesday, the Social Democrats will introduce a Dáil motion calling for a plebiscite to be held on the government’s 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’s vote on the issue.”
March 25, 2025
Note: full text of Soc Dems’ motion here