This Council expresses dismay at and opposition to government plans to abolish the Triple Lock. The Triple Lock means that for more than 12 troops to deploy on overseas missions there must be approval from: 1. Cabinet 2. Dáil Éireann and 3. the mission must have a UN mandate. 

It was introduced during the Nice Treaty and commitments to it were reaffirmed during Lisbon to safeguard neutrality and keep Ireland out of illegal wars. This Council rejects government plans to abolish the Triple Lock, which would signify a breach of trust with the electorate and a serious diminution of neutrality.

Notice of Motion from Cllr. Cull

This Council expresses dismay at and opposition to government plans to abolish the Triple Lock. The Triple Lock means that for more than 12 troops to deploy on overseas missions there must be approval from: 1. Cabinet 2. Dáil Éireann and 3. the mission must have a UN mandate. It was introduced during the Nice Treaty and commitments to it were reaffirmed during Lisbon to safeguard neutrality and keep Ireland out of illegal wars. This Council rejects government plans to abolish the Triple Lock, which would signify a breach of trust with the electorate and a serious diminution of neutrality.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:This motion requires a resolution of the Council.

Cllr. Cull referred to Ireland’s long?standing policy of military neutrality and its importance to the Irish people. She expressed concern regarding the potential implications for Irish Defence Forces personnel and stated that, in the current global context, neutrality contributes to international stability.

The motion was seconded by Cllr. Dineen, who stated his support for retaining the Triple Lock in its current form and emphasised the importance of United Nations approval for overseas missions. He noted that a number of other local authorities had passed similar motions and highlighted the significance of maintaining Ireland’s commitment to neutrality.

Cllr. Keogh proposed a counter motion and read it as follows: ‘’That this Council, mindful of Article 29 of Bunreacht na hÉireann and Ireland’s devotion to “peace and friendly co-operation amongst nations”, “the pacific settlement of international disputes” and “the generally recognised principles of international law”, reaffirms Ireland’s long-standing policy of military neutrality and opposition to military alliances, while supporting full democratic oversight and Ireland’s sovereign ability, in accordance with international law, to deploy Defence Forces personnel on peacekeeping, humanitarian, civilian protection and evacuation missions in the interests of global peace, in line with the long standing principles of the United Nations.’’

Cllr. Keogh stated that the counter motion reflected a balanced approach, noting that neutrality is grounded in Article 29 of Bunreacht na hÉireann. He referred to Ireland’s long history of participation in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions and expressed concerns regarding the ability of permanent members of the UN Security Council to veto mandates. He stated that Ireland should retain its sovereign capacity, subject to democratic oversight and international law, to deploy Defence Forces personnel where a peacekeeping or humanitarian need exists.

This motion was seconded by Cllr. Crosbywho referenced the origins of the Triple Lock in the context of the Nice Treaty. He stated that while neutrality is of fundamental importance, the current UN Security Council structure can present delays in addressing urgent situations, and gives opportunity to leaders of countries that are at war to veto requests. He suggested that reforms should be considered and noted the level of public confusion surrounding the issue.

Cllr. Cull reiterated her opposition to any change to the Triple Lock and stated that, in her experience as a public representative, there has been no demand from the public to abolish it. She stated that any proposed change should be subject to a referendum.

Cllr. Keogh clarified that Ireland’s military neutrality is enshrined in Article 29 of Bunreacht na hÉireann and expressed the view that the removal of the Triple Lock would not, in itself, remove Ireland’s neutrality. He stated that any departure from this constitutional position would require a referendum.

The Meetings Administrator read the original motion and the counter proposal again for clarity.

Cllr. Fallon stated that the world has changed dramatically since the original introduction of the Triple Lock. While acknowledging the reasons for its original introduction, he expressed the view that Ireland’s neutrality would be retained even if the Triple Lock were altered. He also stated that decisions on overseas troop deployments should remain within the remit of Ireland’s government.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Kelly

           SECONDED by Cllr. Duffy

It was AGREED to extend Standing Orders to 6.25pm.

The Cathaoirleach stated that a vote would be taken on the counter proposal and if it passes it will defeat the original proposal.  If the counter proposal is defeated, it will be deemed that the original proposal is passed.

The Meetings Administrator Ms. Karen Hanley, read the motion and the counter motion again.

Ms. Hanley advised that a vote would be conducted by Member in alphabetical order by surname. She asked Members to clearly state whether they were ‘For’ or ‘Against’ the counter proposal.

The Meetings Administrator stated that the result of the vote is13 votes FOR the counter proposal, 3 votes AGAINST the counter proposal, 0 abstentions and 2 marked as absent.

The Cathaoirleach then stated that the counter proposal has passed and defeated the original proposal.