Michael Collins: Warns Government Threatens Ireland's Neutrality
Michael Collins spoke in the Dáil opposing the Government's proposal to remove the triple lock on overseas deployments and called it a direct threat to Ireland's long-standing neutrality. He said he will oppose any removal, urged a referendum to let the people decide, and supported the motion to retain the triple lock.
He described the triple lock as a safeguard that prevents Irish troops being sent abroad unless three conditions are met - Government approval, a Dáil vote and a United Nations mandate - and said the Government's proposal would chip away at that protection.
He argued the change would bypass proper oversight, warning that foreign powers, permanent members of the UN Security Council, won't get a say and that neither will the Irish people because the Government refuses to allow a referendum. He insisted a referendum is the proper way to let the people decide on such a core policy.
He rejected the Government's claim the change is about flexibility, calling it the first step on a slippery slope from peacekeeping to deployments without proper oversight, and warned it could tie Ireland into others' military agendas.
He said he had no issue with increased spending in the Defence Forces but insisted the money should be spent at home to protect the nation. He criticised long-term underinvestment and poor treatment of serving and retired personnel, citing examples of people treated appallingly and unable to find homes after service.
He raised concerns about recent activity off the Irish coastline involving ships near underwater cables and said the State sometimes lacks the resources and manpower to protect its own territory. He argued priority spending should focus on defending Ireland.
Opposition to removing the triple lock
He described the triple lock as a safeguard that prevents Irish troops being sent abroad unless three conditions are met - Government approval, a Dáil vote and a United Nations mandate - and said the Government's proposal would chip away at that protection.
Concerns about democratic oversight and referendum
He argued the change would bypass proper oversight, warning that foreign powers, permanent members of the UN Security Council, won't get a say and that neither will the Irish people because the Government refuses to allow a referendum. He insisted a referendum is the proper way to let the people decide on such a core policy.
Warning of a slippery slope from peacekeeping to deployments
He rejected the Government's claim the change is about flexibility, calling it the first step on a slippery slope from peacekeeping to deployments without proper oversight, and warned it could tie Ireland into others' military agendas.
Defence spending and treatment of personnel
He said he had no issue with increased spending in the Defence Forces but insisted the money should be spent at home to protect the nation. He criticised long-term underinvestment and poor treatment of serving and retired personnel, citing examples of people treated appallingly and unable to find homes after service.
Maritime security and resource shortfalls
He raised concerns about recent activity off the Irish coastline involving ships near underwater cables and said the State sometimes lacks the resources and manpower to protect its own territory. He argued priority spending should focus on defending Ireland.
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Transcript
Thank you very much, Chairman. I'll tell you straight what's been proposed here by the Government. It's a direct threat to Ireland's long-standing neutrality. And I won't stay silent while it's been chipped away at bit by bit. The triple lock mechanism isn't some red tape dreamt up in Brussels. It's a safeguard. It means that Irish troops can't be sent abroad unless three things happen. Government approval, a vote here on the Dáil, and crucially, a United Nations mandate. That's the balance. That's the break. And now you want to remove it. Let's be honest with the people. This move would mean that foreign powers, permanent members of the UN Security Council, won't get a say. But neither will the Irish people. Because this Government won't even allow a referendum that tells you everything. Well, a referendum is what the people need to have a say, Minister. And a referendum is a proper place for that. And the people of Ireland will send a very clear message to this Government as to their feelings on this matter. But he won't allow a referendum on the matter. They know the people don't support this direction. So instead of asking, they're sneaking it through. Now, they'll tell you it's about flexibility. About not letting one country's veto stop us from acting. But I'll tell you what it really is. It's the first step on a slippery slope. Today, it's about peacekeeping. Tomorrow, it's about deployments. Without proper oversight. And next week, we'll be tied into someone else's military agenda. Whether we like it or not. We are a neutral country. We are not part of NATO. We're not part of a military alliance. And we don't need to be. What we are is respected across the world as peacekeepers. Not aggressors. Not enforcers. Peacekeepers. We don't need to change that. We need to protect it. Independent Ireland, the party I'm proud to represent, is absolutely clear. We will oppose any removal of the triple lock. We will not stand for Irish troops to be sent into conflict zones. Without the backing of the Irish people. And without international legitimacy. And if the government wants to change that, they can take it to the people in a vote. Let them decide. But until then, I'll say this, Minister. Don't mess with neutrality. Don't mess with the trust of the Irish people have in how we use our Defence Forces. And you don't change a core policy without their consent. I support the motion fully. It respects our neutrality, our democracy and our sovereignty. And I urge every TD in this House who still believes in those things to do the same. And the Minister for Foreign Affairs has mentioned there in a number of interviews about, you know, we're spending more money in our Defence Forces in this country. And I have no issue with that. Because we have seen over the years where little or nothing has been spent. And you have members of the Defence Force treated appallingly. You have people, you know, even some retired members of the Defence Force. I was listening to a radio interview there recently. And they can't even find a home for themselves. It's a difficult situation. And people find themselves, and they've been dealt very poorly all along. In relation also, areas of protection of the State, our own country. Yes, the money should be spent in defending our own country. And we've seen in recent times ships off our coastline trailing up and down where there's underwater cables, causing serious concern. And sometimes we don't have the resources or the manpower to at least protect our own nation. And that's where we need to be focusing from now on. Until long ago, you know, too many years ago, when there was a helicopter that went up from the Defence Forces and the door fell out. So that's the situation we find ourselves in this country where monies need to be spent, but spent here to protect the Irish people going forward. And I support this motion.