Neutrality

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#Neutrality

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Planning permission for a fourfold expansion of the Russian embassy's Orwell Road compound, underground element included, was granted in 2015. It was then revoked in 2020 by the housing minister, using national security legislation, on the grounds that the development was 'likely to be harmful to the security and defence of the State'. File picture: Brian Lawless/PA</p>

comment-analysis

Neutrality is not a shield: Ireland is not ready for the next spy

Ireland, with its technology multinationals, intellectual property and seat at the EU table, is a target of real and growing interest to hostile states like Russia, writes Tony Geraghty, retired commander of the Irish Naval Service

<p>Antonio Costa.</p>

comment-analysis

Defence and competitiveness must be at the core of European budget

<p>Switzerland goes to the polls on September 27 to vote ⁠on the initiative, which wants a tighter definition of Switzerland's traditional neutrality written into the constitution. Picture: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images.</p>

world

Swiss voters look set to reject proposal to change neutrality, poll shows

Russia Orthodox Easter

comment-analysis

Dorcha Lee: The end of peace in Europe has completely exposed our depleted Defence Forces

Micheál Martin: 'Any reform of triple lock does not involve erosion or undermining of Irish neutrality'

politics

Micheál Martin: 'Any reform of triple lock does not involve erosion or undermining of Irish neutrality'

Shoulder patch of a soldier from the Irish Army on camouflaged uniform.

ourview

Irish Examiner view: We need real debate on neutrality, not hot takes

19/10/2011. Presidential Campaigns

People's forum will allow real discussion on neutrality

The UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese, will be among eminent speakers on Saturday at the People’s Forum on Peace and Neutrality which will examine government plans to enact legislation that would remove the triple lock before the summer recess

Thu, 18 Jun, 2026

Shona Murray: Europe stood with Ireland on Brexit — now Ireland must stand with Europe

Shona Murray: Europe stood with Ireland on Brexit — now Ireland must stand with Europe

From cyber interference to drone incursions, Ireland faces shared European security challenges despite its neutrality

Sat, 13 Jun, 2026

Irish Cabinet meeting

Minister grilled over 'very sinister' change to Industrial Development Bill

People Before Profit’s Richard Boyd Barrett queried the removal of a requirement for State agencies to have Government approval to engage in or promote any activity of a primarily military relevance

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

UPLIFT; NEUTRALITY; TRIPLE LOCK; FIANNA FAIL ARD FHEIS

Colin Sheridan: Why Ireland should keep the triple lock despite calls for reform

As conflict intensifies globally, Ireland should strengthen oversight and diplomacy rather than dilute military deployment safeguards

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

Tanaiste Micheal Martin visit to Lebanon

Our leaders must show courage in commitment to peace by keeping the triple lock

We urge the government to use this moment of heightened conflict to retain the triple lock and speak out against obvious breaches of international law and efforts to undermine the UN

Wed, 08 Apr, 2026

Cork-born Lelia Doolan, 91, to walk from Shannon to Dublin in protest over US military use of airport

Cork-born Lelia Doolan, 91, to walk from Shannon to Dublin in protest over US military use of airport

Veteran activist embarks on a 16-day journey to highlight concerns over Ireland’s neutrality and US military stopovers

Sat, 28 Mar, 2026

Ireland urged to assist Cyprus if it invokes EU mutual defence clause

Ireland urged to assist Cyprus if it invokes EU mutual defence clause

Ahead of the Irish presidency of the Council of the European Union, experts say Ireland should be ready to defend a fellow EU state under attack

Thu, 05 Mar, 2026

Soldier who blew whistle on bullying left to man phone that never rings

Government plan to abolish Triple Lock not a 'done deal' opponents claim

The Government's plan to abolish Ireland's Triple Lock is not a “done deal” and can be stopped, according to speakers at a webinar organised by the campaigning platform Uplift.

Thu, 05 Mar, 2026

Russia Ukraine War

Dark money is a threat to national security that Ireland can no longer afford to ignore

Ireland may features among those countries perceived to be least affected by political corruption, but our company formation regime and light-touch regulation of corporate vehicles present opportunities for hostile state actors and organised crime, writes John Devitt.

Mon, 23 Feb, 2026

Is Ireland drifting from neutrality amid Europe’s €381bn rearmament drive?

Is Ireland drifting from neutrality amid Europe’s €381bn rearmament drive?

As Europe embarks on historic military expansion, Ireland faces mounting pressure to reconsider neutrality and defence spending priorities

Sat, 21 Feb, 2026

Simon Harris visit to Lebanon

Cabinet set to dismantle triple lock as it amends laws over deploying Irish troops

Ministers are expected to approve a series of amendments to new laws which would dismantle Ireland’s triple lock system

Mon, 26 Jan, 2026

Finland joining NATA Europe Membership Pursue, War, Conflict, Russia, Nuclear Weapons

From guarantee to risk: how Trump has changed Europe’s relationship with Nato

As Trump unsettles alliances, Europe and Ireland face the implications of a world where Nato no longer feels permanent

Sat, 24 Jan, 2026

National Security Strategy still unfinished four years after deadline, experts warn

National Security Strategy still unfinished four years after deadline, experts warn

Experts warn geopolitical instability, cyber threats and war in Ukraine demand urgent completion of Ireland’s first National Security Strategy

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026

Royal Navy shadow Russian ship

Defence spending: Ireland must take security risks seriously

Ireland has one of the lowest rates of military expenditure and capability of any advanced economy — and our position at the edge of Europe is no longer a guarantee of safety

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Local authorities won't follow party line on the triple lock

Local authorities won't follow party line on the triple lock

Although the Irish State is praised for having a strong and healthy democracy, the reality is that there are very few actual democratic mechanisms available to the Irish public — and they are often ignored by the Government when convenient

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

South Africa G20

Louise Burne: Donald Trump manages to loom over G20 without even being there

Meanwhile, Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesman said Ireland was at the summit due to its 'strong bilateral relationship' and 'alignment' with South Africa

Sun, 23 Nov, 2025

Fergus Finlay: Labour's vision has never been to force a unity vote

S Fergus Finlay: Labour's vision has never been to force a unity vote

An aspect of Ivana Bacik's speech at the Labour conference last weekend felt more like something Mary-Lou McDonald would say, writes Fergus Finlay

Tue, 18 Nov, 2025

Sergiy Kyslytsya

Neutrality a 'thing of the past' given threat from Russia, says Ukrainian minister

Sergiy Kyslytsya's comments were echoed by the Finnish ambassador who said her country's love for neutrality 'changed very quickly' after Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Wed, 05 Nov, 2025

Googles AI Data Protection Practices Probed by Irish Regulator

S Ireland is the world's second-largest importer of Israeli goods. We've sold our morals

Ireland has become the world’s second-largest importer of Israeli goods, because we’ve become a middleman in the transfer-pricing maze of the tech sector, a new report shows

Thu, 23 Oct, 2025

Denmark Drones

The EU is preparing for war – is Ireland?

With a marine territory 10 times our landmass, and which includes much of the northern hemisphere’s critical subsea cables, Ireland's defence capabilities should be built around maritime capacity, writes Edward Burke

Tue, 07 Oct, 2025

Irish people have a 'degree of naivety' about 'existential threats' from Russia, says Taoiseach

Irish people have a 'degree of naivety' about 'existential threats' from Russia, says Taoiseach

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has claimed there is a "degree of naivety" among the Irish public as to the "existential threats" from Russia and other aggressors.

Thu, 02 Oct, 2025

One-sided discussion on Irish neutrality does not serve democracy

One-sided discussion on Irish neutrality does not serve democracy

The political and media focus on mainstream voices around the triple lock and militarism do not represent the views of an overwhelmingly pro-neutrality public

Thu, 11 Sep, 2025

Colin Sheridan: The end of Unifil is the end of Ireland’s innocence in peacekeeping

Colin Sheridan: The end of Unifil is the end of Ireland’s innocence in peacekeeping

As the UN prepares to end its Unifil mission, Ireland must confront difficult choices about peacekeeping, neutrality and foreign policy identity

Fri, 29 Aug, 2025

ieExplains: What is the triple lock and why is it so important?

ieExplains: What is the triple lock and why is it so important?

This week, the Government is to take the first step in dismantling Ireland's triple lock system that governs the deployment of peacekeepers abroad

Mon, 25 Aug, 2025

City Ruins.

A rules-based order - but who makes the rules?

Active neutrality is something that Irish people strongly identify with. The government’s attempts to remove the Triple Lock threatens to undermine this, writes Rory Rowan

Tue, 22 Jul, 2025

Irish troop missions 'held hostage' by UN veto, says former army colonel

Irish troop missions 'held hostage' by UN veto, says former army colonel

The Oireachtas Defence Committee is continuing hearings on the Defence Bill 2025 which proposes to scrap the 'Triple Lock'

Tue, 01 Jul, 2025

Defence Forces taking part in EU missions without triple lock 'could breach neutrality'

Defence Forces taking part in EU missions without triple lock 'could breach neutrality'

Human rights lawyer warns that if Ireland takes part in OSCE or EU missions without a UN mandate, it could lead to unforeseen breaches our neutrality

Thu, 12 Jun, 2025

Government can't replace triple lock with vague criteria for deploying our troops

Government can't replace triple lock with vague criteria for deploying our troops

We do not want future deployments decided by tight Dáil votes, where partisan, government versus opposition, considerations dominate, writes Derek Mooney

Tue, 10 Jun, 2025

Irish troop deployments

Cross-party group launches Irish Neutrality League campaign to defend Ireland's triple lock

'The biggest obstacle to Ireland taking part in peacekeeping missions has been the neglect of the Defence Forces' said Sinn Féín TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Wed, 09 Apr, 2025

Who does this government serve? Protest crackdowns and neutrality debates spark outrage

Who does this government serve? Protest crackdowns and neutrality debates spark outrage

A speaking rights row, moves away from neutrality, and garda action against anti-war protesters are all signs of a worrying trend for democracy

Thu, 03 Apr, 2025

Irish Neutrality League to protest triple lock changes upon relaunch

Irish Neutrality League to protest triple lock changes upon relaunch

Opposition sources said that they believed that a combined effort would send a stronger message than individual parties opposing the Government

Sun, 23 Mar, 2025

18/3/2010. Army Rangers Exercises

Ireland doesn't build tanks or weapons but SMEs are hoping to benefit from Europe's increased defence spending

With EU defence budgets soaring, Ireland’s tech firms have a chance to play a bigger role in security innovation

Sat, 22 Mar, 2025

07/11/2013. Ministerial Review of the Lebanon Boun

Taoiseach: Russia is 'serious threat' to EU's collective security

Micheál Martin has backed working with EU countries to improve defence capabilities

Thu, 20 Mar, 2025

Handsome young man on his phone in cafe

Sarah Harte: Gen Z won’t fight for Europe — and maybe they have a point

As Europe debates rearmament, cutting social welfare for military spending risks undermining the very values the EU was built on

Wed, 19 Mar, 2025

BELGIUM-EU-POLITICS-ARCHITECTURE-FEATURE

EU 'open to doing more trade with China', says Michael McGrath

The commissioner says the EU wants to have a more balanced trading relationship with China

Mon, 17 Mar, 2025

Belgium Europe Summit

Sarah Harte: Race to re-arm means avoiding groupthink has never been more crucial

This anxious time of turmoil threatens to sweep us all into a new wave of militarism. We must avoid being caught up in the tide

Wed, 12 Mar, 2025

Taoiseach visit to the US

S Fergus Finlay: Can the Taoiseach navigate Trump’s unpredictability during White House visit?

As Micheál Martin visits Washington, he faces diplomatic challenges, Trump’s unpredictability, and Ireland’s critical US ties

Tue, 11 Mar, 2025

Dorcha Lee: If we just keep pretending Ireland isn't really part of Europe, we'll be fine

Dorcha Lee: If we just keep pretending Ireland isn't really part of Europe, we'll be fine

The elephant in the room at tomorrow's Oval Office meeting is a beautifully stuffed, completely neutered Irish wolfhound

Tue, 11 Mar, 2025

Russia Ukraine War

S Mick Clifford: Does neutrality still protect Ireland? Why it’s time for an honest conversation

As global threats rise, Ireland’s neutrality faces scrutiny. Is it a principled stance or outdated idealism? The debate intensifies

Sun, 09 Mar, 2025

Donald Trump,Volodymyr Zelenskyy

S Fergus Finlay: Ireland’s neutrality served us well — but now it’s time to move on

Ireland’s long-held neutrality is no longer viable. In a changing world, we must stand with Ukraine and Europe’s defence

Wed, 05 Mar, 2025

Jennifer Horgan: Why I could never send my children to war — and neither should Ireland

Jennifer Horgan: Why I could never send my children to war — and neither should Ireland

As war rhetoric grows, Ireland must uphold its peace-first stance, rejecting militarisation and reaffirming diplomacy as its global role

Wed, 05 Mar, 2025

Irish Examiner view: Tough times give rise to hard choices on Irish neutrality

Irish Examiner view: Tough times give rise to hard choices on Irish neutrality

This has been the subject matter of often incendiary discourse since the Second World War, or The Emergency as was known in Ireland

Tue, 04 Mar, 2025

ieExplains: What will removing the UN mandate mean for the triple lock?

ieExplains: What will removing the UN mandate mean for the triple lock?

Tánaiste Simon Harris is due to bring proposals to Cabinet that would increase the number of troops Ireland can send abroad without triggering the lock from 12 to 50

Mon, 03 Mar, 2025

MICHEAL MARTIN

Ireland to increase financial contributions to Ukraine, Taoiseach says

Meanwhile, Simon Harris is to present proposals to Cabinet to change Ireland’s 'triple lock' system for deploying soldiers on peacekeeping, crisis management and evacuation missions

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025