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Saturday 23 September 2023 Dublin: 15°C

# Neutrality

Last month
August 2023
Demonstrators protest against Ireland giving weapons training to Ukrainian troops
Defence Forces personnel have to now only been providing non-lethal training.
Neutrality activists criticise use of Defence Forces to give weapons training to Ukrainian army
Ireland has provided assistance to Ukraine as part of an EU Military Assistance Mission since February.
June
June 2023
Day three at the Security Forum: talks turn to Nato as neutrality protests continue
Day Three of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy was held in Dublin Castle today with Nato on the agenda.
Taoiseach says Ireland will not be joining NATO as protests take place at Dublin Castle
Debates on Ireland’s neutrality have intensified in recent weeks.
Dr Edward Burke: 'We may cherish our neutrality but we cannot ignore the changing world'
The assistant professor in the History of War at UCD looks at the shape of Irish neutrality and outlines how it’s viewed internationally.
Consultative forum to hold first meeting today in Cork
Topics for today’s meeting includes the international security situation, cyber defence and threats against critical infrastructure.
A forum on Irish foreign policy and neutrality kicks off this week - but what's it all about?
President Higgins’ intervention has turned up the heat in the neutrality debate ahead of a key government event to discuss Ireland’s security future.
Tom Clonan: Joining NATO doesn't benefit Ireland, but that doesn't excuse poor defence spending
The security analyst looks ahead to the government’s Consultative Forums on Neutrality and outlines why our position of military neutrality really matters.
Poll: Do you think it's appropriate for the President to comment on matters of policy?
Have your say.
Tánaiste defends forum as President claims Ireland is 'playing with fire' in neutrality 'drift'
In an interview with a Sunday newspaper Higgins spoke about his views on the impending Consultative Forum on international security policy.
Reader Q&A: What do you want to know about Irish neutrality?
Our reporters will put your questions to experts in the field, for a comprehensive and thorough look at what neutrality means for Ireland, and how we would be affected by any possible change to the policy.
This year
2023
Tánaiste questions Triple Lock and calls for greater NATO links in major defence policy speech
The opposition have criticised the use of a consultation forum rather than a citizens’ assembly.
Irish neutrality 'not relevant' if countries decide to target undersea cables
The Defence Forces had previously carried out an operation to protect Irish undersea cables.
Public forum examining Ireland's neutrality to be held in Dublin, Galway and Cork in June
Micheál Martin says there is no preconceived outcome to the debate.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin is ‘developing proposals’ around Ireland’s neutrality
Speaking at an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said stakeholders and the public will be consulted in a ‘meaningful way’.
Last year
2022
Motion on Ireland remaining a militarily neutral state won't be opposed by Government
Taoiseach says scrapping the triple-lock is not in the Programme for Government.
The Explainer: What's the future of EU defence - and how does Ireland play a role?
On this week’s episode, former army officer Tom Clonan talks to Michelle Hennessy about how the European Union’s defence strategy is evolving.
Former Finnish Prime Minister: Neutrality is a thing of the past - now is the time to take sides
Alexander Stubb is a former Prime Minister of Finland and has dedicated his political career to campaign for Finnish NATO membership.
EU Commissioner McGuinness calls for ‘mature’ debate on Irish neutrality
A freshly released poll shows little support for a change in Ireland’s neutral stance.
Howth's WWII 'Eire 6' neutrality sign unveiled by Michael D Higgins following restoration
The EIRE 6 sign was one of 83 aerial recognition signs built around the Irish coast during the Second World War.
Government parties vote against bill calling for a referendum on Ireland's neutrality
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said Ireland’s neutrality has never stopped us participating in world events.
McDonald says deletion of statements on SF website not attempt to pivot position on Russia
The Sinn Féin leader says some people may try and use the war in Ukraine to try and shift Ireland away from its neutrality policy.
There will be a debate in Ireland on military neutrality, says Taoiseach
However, he said “we don’t have time” for such a debate right now.
Debate Room: Charlie Flanagan and Richard Boyd Barrett debate Ireland's neutrality
As war rages in Ukraine, the question of Ireland’s place in the world as a neutral voice for peace is under the spotlight.
Taoiseach: 'Possible' Irish forces could help with humanitarian aid at Ukraine borders
Micheál Martin is in Versailles for a two-day summit of the European Council.
Taoiseach floats idea of a Citizens’ Assembly on Ireland’s military neutrality
TD Richard Boyd Barrett said he was concerned about recent calls for greater cooperation with NATO.
TD calls for Ireland to provide anti-tank weapons to Ukraine
Cathal Berry argued that the public mood has “utterly changed” in the past 48 hours.
Militarily, not politically neutral: Martin asked about neutrality on high-profile Berlin visit
Micheál Martin said that if war does break out it would be “catastrophic”.
All time
Luke Ming Flanagan: If we are heading for an EU army what does that mean for Irish neutrality?
As EU military and defence spending skyrockets, Ireland’s commitment to defence co-operation compromises its neutrality, writes Luke Ming Flanagan, MEP
'Ireland needs to invest in its neutral status - is expelling a Russian diplomat the best way?'
Security expert Tom Clonan raises concerns about Ireland’s security and intelligence capacity and the strategic importance of our neutrality.
Poll: Do you want Ireland to sign up to the EU defence deal?
The Taoiseach has said the deal will not affect Ireland’s neutrality but opposition TDs think otherwise.
Fine Gael MEP says Ireland needs to re-examine its neutrality ahead of Brexit
Jean-Claude Juncker has called for the EU to implement plans for a common defence strategy
Ireland has refused 19 applications to carry weapons through Ireland this year
427 applications have been approved.
Shannonwatch asks Shane Ross why 'plane on way to Nato air base' was allowed to stop in Ireland
The Department of Transport has contacted Miami Air about the “circumstances surrounding this flight”.
Poll: Should neutrality be enshrined in the Irish Constitution?
The Independent Alliance wants a free vote on a bill proposed by Sinn Féin.
Poll: Should Ireland consider changing its position on neutrality?
With the news that the UK’s RAF will patrol our airspace in the event of a terror attack, can Ireland really remain a neutral country?
Tom Clonan: Why it's time to have an open and honest debate about our neutrality
Security expert Tom Clonan says any decisions about our status must be taken by the Irish people in a transparent and ethical manner.
Are we willing to risk Irish lives by sending troops to Mali or Lebanon?
Minister Simon Coveney must address the potential dangers involved in sending Irish soldiers to replace French forces, Ryan McCarrel writes.
Irish neutrality won’t be respected by the likes of ISIS, so why hold so dear to it?
Ireland will be neutral until the day, unlikely and all that it is, that we require someone else’s military assistance, writes Aaron McKenna.
Poll: Should Ireland change its position on neutrality?
The government says its commitment to supporting France in the wake of last week’s terror attacks will not affect Irish neutrality.