The governments plan to scrap the triple lock came before the cabinet for approval this week.
This would see the requirement for approval from the UN, the Dáil, and the government for any overseas deployment of more than 12 Irish troops scrapped.
According to Lynn Boylan MEP, this move is even more dangerous amid an increasingly militarised European Union.
Lynn, who is Ireland’s only MEP on the EU’s Security and Defence Committee, stressed the need to defend the triple lock, as a “security guard, against the pressure that is being heaped on Ireland to move away from neutrality”.
“From PESCO during my last time in the European Parliament, to the EU’s new push towards bankrolling militarisation, there’s been a clear direction of travel towards eroding our neutrality, and that’s why the triple lock is important.
Lynn also accused the government of using investing in the defence forces as a smokescreen for their moves to undermine neutrality and scrap the triple lock.
“It’s important to acknowledge that decades of total neglect from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael mean that our Defence Forces need urgent, real investment.
“Our personnel should not have to use outdated equipment, in unsafe conditions.
“The lack of leadership from the government means that key strategies around air defence, and national security have yet to be published, yet they have the political will to move full speed ahead with plans to scrap the triple lock.
Lynn pointed out that the majority of the public support the triple lock, which has helped cement Ireland’s position as an extremely well regarded, and trusted partner for international peace.
“Removing the triple lock, means that the deployment of our troops overseas is left totally to the whim of this government, who have shown that they can’t be trusted to stand up to figures like Ursula von der Leyen, or to get the US out of Shannon Airport.
“If the government are so confident in their plans to scrap the triple lock, then they should put this plan to the people.
“Otherwise, they need to back off from this plan to gut a key part of our neutrality.”
