#921 Triple Lock: Is The Government Selling Out Irish Neutrality?

In this episode, Niall Boylan is joined by Independent Councillor Noel Thomas and Dr Cathal Berry, former Independent TD and retired Army officer, to debate one of the most contentious issues surrounding Ireland's foreign policy, the Triple Lock and the Government's plans to reform it.

Under the current system, deploying more than 12 Irish Defence Forces personnel on overseas missions requires approval from the Government, Dáil Éireann and a UN mandate. The Government wants to remove the requirement for UN authorisation, but could this fundamentally change Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality?

Critics argue that removing the Triple Lock risks undermining Irish neutrality and could open the door to greater military involvement in international conflicts. Supporters insist that the current system gives permanent members of the UN Security Council, including Russia and China, an effective veto over Ireland's participation in certain peacekeeping missions.

But is Ireland genuinely neutral in the first place, or is Irish neutrality more complicated than many people realise?

Niall hears from both guests and invites listeners to have their say. Should Ireland retain the Triple Lock, or is it time to remove the UN approval requirement and give the Irish Government greater freedom to decide where our troops serve?

**If the decision were put to a referendum, how would you vote? Would you retain the Triple Lock or support its removal?