Sinn Féin spokesperson for Neutrality and Defence and TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that the Government must scrap their scheme to dismantle the Triple Lock, while also criticising the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2026 as containing provisions that are open to abuse by a government that wishes to send the Defence Forces overseas without Dáil approval.

Speaking in the Dáil last night, Teachta Crowe said:

“Let us be crystal clear; defending Irish neutrality does not mean turning our backs on the world. It means pursuing peace through diplomacy, supporting humanitarian efforts, standing up for international law and refusing to become entangled in military arrangements that compromise our independence. The people of Ireland have a legitimate interest in these decisions and any fundamental change to the Triple Lock deserves serious public debate, transparency and democratic consent, not a rushed legislative process.

“One of the concerns with the Bill, and not just specifically from a policy perspective, are the powers given to Government alone regarding the dispatch of Defence Forces personnel for purposes other than service as part of a relevant international force. The Government may decide to send advisors overseas without Dáil approval for instance.

“If Irish soldiers are to advise the military of any other foreign power, the Dáil must be consulted in order to judge the suitability of who we are advising. Not only is this for the purpose of maintaining our international reputation, for integrity and credibility, but military advisors have all too often in the past been a precursor or a catalyst for involvement in a much larger conflict. Let us consider the Americans in Vietnam or the Soviets in Afghanistan.

“We cannot allow the government of the day to simply pick and choose who it thinks we should be advising or aiding in military matters. Not every so-called ally or partner has a reputation for upholding international law or defending human rights. We must be careful who we call on our Defence Forces to not only stand beside but work with to build up their military capabilities.

“I have a similar concern about undertaking reconnaissance missions without the approval of the Dáil. Reconnaissance by its very nature means the proximity to or close contact with a potentially hostile presence. How far could the definition of ‘reconnaissance’ be stretched by a Government? Could cav troops be sent to reconnaissance in force, bringing them into direct conflict with an opposing force? Could the Ranger Wing be sent to conduct an operating under the guise of a special reconnaissance mission? These two liberties given to the Government are in stark contrast to the other provisions in section 337 and I worry that they are wide open to abuse.

“This is something we must tighten up as a matter of urgency. There can be no room for semantics when it comes the dispatch of Irish troops to potentially conflict-ridden zones. The Government was very sure to explicitly define itself as eligible to receive close protection by the Defence Forces so it can be quite clear when it needs to be.

“The Government must scrap this scheme to repeal the Triple Lock. Ireland’s contribution to international security should continue to be rooted in peacekeeping, neutrality and respect for the United Nations. For generations, Ireland has built a profound reputation as a nation committed to peace, diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of conflict. We should be proud of that tradition, defend it and pass it on to future generations.”