Hogan calls for referendum on Triple Lock

Independent Ireland’s Paul Hogan has called on the Government to retain Ireland’s Triple Lock mechanism, arguing that any changes to the safeguards governing overseas deployments of the Defence Forces should be decided by the people in a referendum.

Cllr Hogan said the Triple Lock was essential to protecting Irish neutrality and the country’s independent foreign policy, built on a long-standing commitment to peacekeeping, humanitarian work and the peaceful resolution of international conflicts.

He argued that removing the United Nations requirement from the existing mechanism would raise serious questions about accountability, neutrality and the circumstances in which Irish troops could be deployed abroad.

“The Triple Lock is an important safeguard for Irish neutrality and for the independent foreign policy that Ireland has maintained for generations. It should be retained, not dismantled,” he said.

The Independent Ireland representative acknowledged the Government’s argument that reform was needed to prevent other countries from blocking Irish participation in international missions. However, he maintained that neutrality must be backed by practical safeguards and appropriate checks and balances.

Cllr Hogan also stressed that protecting the Triple Lock did not mean neglecting the Defence Forces. He called for greater investment, adequate resources, improved capabilities and better equipment to ensure personnel could carry out their duties safely and effectively.

He said Ireland’s tradition of neutrality gave the country an important role in international diplomacy and should continue to be used to promote peace, dialogue and peacekeeping under international law.

Cllr Hogan said Independent Ireland had launched an online public petition campaign seeking a joint petition to the President, with the aim of enabling a referendum on the issue.

He argued that changes to Ireland’s long-standing approach to neutrality should not be treated as a routine legislative matter, adding that the public deserved a full and open debate.

“Independent Ireland’s position is clear: let the people decide on retaining the Triple Lock by referendum, protect Irish neutrality and invest in the Defence Forces,” he concluded.