Watch: Opposition TDs stage Dáil protest over Government plans to abolish Triple Lock

Opposition parties want more time to scrutinise legislation removing the UN mandate requirement for overseas troop deployments, but the Government has refused

Opposition TDs have protested the Government’s plans to abolish the Triple Lock inside the Dáil chamber, holding up signs reading “Save Neutrality”.

There were disruptions and heated exchanges between the Government and opposition benches after Leaders’ Questions, with Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire calling for more time to debate legislation to remove the Triple Lock.

TDs from Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, alongside Independent TD Seamus Healy, held the signs aloft.

Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy called on TDs to put down the signs, saying the opposition was out of order in staging the protest.

Chief Whip Mary Butler called for the sitting to be suspended during the protest. Opposition TDs put down the signs after a final warning from Ms Murphy.

Government rejects calls for more debate time

The Government is bringing forward legislation to remove the Triple Lock for debate on Wednesday.

At present, deploying troops overseas requires Dáil approval, Government approval and a United Nations (UN) mandate.

However, the Government is seeking to remove the requirement for a UN mandate amid concerns that new missions could be blocked by the veto powers of permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Opposition TDs want the debate on the legislation to be given more time, proposing that it be adjourned after three and a half hours rather than concluded on Wednesday evening.

In response, Ms Butler said the debate would not be extended and that Dáil business had to be completed by 9pm because of ongoing work-to-rule action.

“The bill will then be referred to committee, where there will be opportunity for further debate,” Ms Butler said.

“I reject the assertions that the Government is in any way rushing this through.”

Opposition says neutrality belongs to Irish people

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said Irish neutrality did not belong to any single Government but to the Irish people, following commitments made in the Nice and Lisbon treaties.

“When we stick up the signs, we are holding you to account for commitments that were made to the Irish people about neutrality,” Mr Boyd Barrett said.