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Defence

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International relations
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Military neutrality
Dáil

Military Neutrality

The exchange focused on the Government’s plan to abolish the triple lock in the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2026 and what that would mean for Irish military neutrality and overseas deployments. The Minister of State said the Bill removes the UN mandate requirement but keeps Government and Dáil approval, limits deployments to peacekeeping, conflict prevention and international security missions, and insists Ireland remains bound by the Constitution and international law; opposition speakers warned it could allow NATO-linked deployments and weaken neutrality.
Dáil

Defence Forces

Minister McEntee said the Lebanon appeal over Private Seán Rooney’s death remains unresolved, but the Delaney inquiry report will be released confidentially to his family soon while she continues pressing for justice.
Dáil

United Nations

The Minister said Ireland has no current UN requests or plans for new peacekeeping missions, while the Deputy urged broader deployment and argued the triple lock is limiting options.
Dáil

EU Presidency

During Ireland’s EU Presidency, the Minister said security is led by An Garda Síochána with Defence Forces support on request, backed by a joint task force and existing co-operation with the UK, France and EU partners. She pointed to growing focus on maritime, cyber and critical infrastructure threats, with radar and sonar capabilities being developed, including a radar picture by 2028.
Dáil

Defence Forces

Ireland’s future Defence Forces role will likely combine UN and EU peace-support missions, with stronger capabilities in cyber, maritime security, bomb disposal and medical protection, while Government seeks more UN operations and reform of the triple lock.
Dáil

Defence Forces

Deputy Coppinger challenged secretive Defence Forces handling of abuse allegations and victims’ rights, while Minister McEntee said she is seeking legislative change, greater oversight, and improved complaints mechanisms but cannot yet extend the 2017 Act.
Dáil

Defence Forces

The Minister reported modest recruitment growth to 7,823 personnel, 289 inductions so far in 2025 and 16,510 applications, while pledging further investment in housing, pensions, equipment and infrastructure, including the Curragh.
Dáil

Defence Forces

The Minister defended the Defence Forces claims process, saying cases should proceed through mediation or the State Claims Agency while rejecting calls for a separate health and redress scheme for exposed personnel.
Dáil

Tribunals of Inquiry

Concerns were raised that Women of Honour giving evidence to the Defence Forces tribunal lack adequate trauma-informed support, and the Minister committed to urgent re-engagement with the HSE to strengthen tailored counselling and access.
Dáil

Military Neutrality

Strong disagreement over the Government’s plan to remove the UN Security Council element of the triple lock. Ó Laoghaire said it would weaken neutrality and should go to a referendum, while McEntee said the Bill will preserve neutrality, keep Dáil and Government approval, and allow Irish peacekeeping deployments to continue despite UN vetoes.
Current

Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026

The proposal would stop U.S. military aircraft, and civilian aircraft carrying weapons or ammunition, from landing in Ireland, except when they are involved in searching for a plane in distress or rescuing survivors of an air accident. The explanatory note on page 1 says “munitions of war” includes weapons, ammunition and their parts, and that the measure would take effect within 90 days of being signed into law.
Current

Industrial Development (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2026

The proposed changes would give IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland more flexibility to support companies, including bigger grants for environmental projects and technology purchases, help with consultancy advice, and the ability to set up joint property companies with partners. It also updates rules on dangerous substances, broadens support for defence and security-related enterprise work, and makes smaller changes to workplace board appointments, chemicals law, and freedom of information rules.
Enacted

International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026

Permits evidence to be taken in Ireland for the Omagh Bombing Inquiry in the UK from current and former Garda members, Defence Forces members, certain civil servants, and former ministers, where they have relevant information and agree to take part if required. It sets up a process where a High Court judge hears the evidence, with the Inquiry able to ask follow-up questions, while protecting witnesses and allowing refusals where security, investigations, or official functions would be affected. It matters because it gives the Irish State a clearer legal way to help the inquiry investigate whether the 1998 Omagh bombing could have been prevented.