In a rapidly changing political and military environment, Ireland and her long history of diplomacy, democracy and statesmanship on the international stage, has created a very powerful niche for us within our global community of nations.

Our ability to be the honest broker is such an amazing position to have amongst other nations and we must protect and enhance that. Our neutrality is core to that position and the Triple Lock is core to maintaining our neutrality. Any attempt to dismantle the Triple Lock must be seen for what it is – an attack on our neutral stance in all global conflicts and the start of our increased military engagement in them instead.

To promote discussion and the sharing of facts on Irish Neutrality and the Triple Lock we have launched our Neutrality Roadshow.

Headed by Niamh Ní Bhriain of the Transnational Institute and featuring a host of expert speakers, the Neutrality Roadshow will tour the country for one month and create a space for open dialogue and discussion and be there to answer all your questions and allay your fears. Click above to see all the dates and times and check out when we will be in your nearest venue. All events are free of charge.

The Triple Lock requires approval from the Dáil, the Government, and the United Nations before Irish troops can be deployed abroad. It safeguards Ireland’s neutrality and ensures democratic oversight of military actions.

Why It’s Important

Neutrality Protects Us All

Ireland’s neutrality has kept us out of foreign wars and made us a voice for peace. Dismantling the Triple Lock risks dragging us into global conflicts that are not ours to fight.

A Legacy of Peacekeeping

Irish forces are respected around the world for peacekeeping — not warmaking. That reputation is built on neutrality. Without it, that legacy is at risk.

Democracy Under Threat

The push to weaken or remove the Triple Lock is happening without a public mandate. No referendum. No democratic debate. Just quiet manoeuvring by elites behind closed doors. If neutrality is to be abandoned, the people of Ireland — not a handful of politicians — must decide. Anything less is a betrayal of our democracy.

Checks and Balances Matter

The UN requirement is not red tape — it’s a safeguard. It stops us from following NATO or EU military missions without international legitimacy.

What is the Government Planning?

In recent years, the Irish government has deepened its ties with EU military structures and NATO, continued to allow US military aircraft to use Shannon Airport, and permitted flights carrying weapons to Israel through Irish airspace.

Now, by seeking to dismantle the Triple Lock — removing the requirement for a UN mandate before deploying Irish troops — the government is further undermining our neutrality. This move not only damages Ireland’s hard-earned international reputation but also increases the risk of being drawn into military operations at the behest of the United States and its allies.