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Friday 9 June 2023 Dublin: 14°C

# Neutrality

Last week
28th May 2023 - 3rd June 2023
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.
Last month
May 2023
# irish neutrality
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.
# hybrid threats
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.
This year
2023
# Defence Forces
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.
# security policy
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
# ireland's triple-lock
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.
# Podcast
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.
# Alexander Stubb
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.
# russian invasion
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.
# Eire 6
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.
# Neutrality
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.
# Ukraine
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.
# Neutrality
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.
Voices
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.
# Micheál Martin
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.
# Neutrality
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.
# Neutrality
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.
# ukraine crisis
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
Voices
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
Voices
'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.
# pesco
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.
# Security
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
# irish neutrality
Ireland has refused 19 applications to carry weapons through Ireland this year
427 applications have been approved.
# miami air
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”.
# Your Say
Poll: Should neutrality be enshrined in the Irish Constitution?
The Independent Alliance wants a free vote on a bill proposed by Sinn Féin.
# Your Say
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?
Voices
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.
Voices
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.
Voices
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
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.
# Neutrality
More than 1,000 airplanes carrying weapons allowed into Ireland since 2014
One TD says Ireland is helping weapons fall into the hands of ISIS.
# Your Say
Poll: Should Ireland's military come to the defence of EU nations?
If one came under attack, that is.
Voices
We can see the horrors of war... so how can we still glorify violence?
War stories can gripping, poignant, sometimes even inspiring – but surely it’s time for us as a society to embrace pacifism, writes Prof John Maguire.
Voices
It's high time for neutrality to be enshrined in the Constitution – don't let the government backtrack
At the last election the government received a mandate based on their pledges, and one was formalising a policy of neutrality.
# shatter says no
Remember when Ming asked for an aircraft carrier? He's told us why
It was all about Ireland’s neutrality, you see.
# failte roimh
Here are the 30 countries who have landed military aircraft in Shannon since 2009
Afghanistan, Bahrain, Israel, Saudi Arabia, USA…
# QH-8073
Charlie Flanagan apologises and says this US military plane DID land in Shannon
But does an explanation of “administrative error” raise more questions than it answers?
# Shannonwatch
TDs and Senators visited Shannon Airport today - to see if the US military should still be there
Sinn Féin’s Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said further assurances are needed from the government that Ireland’s neutrality is not being compromised.
# Neutrality
The web's founder celebrates its 25th birthday by calling for net neutrality
Sir Tim Berners-Lee is asking web users to press each country to develop a “digital bill of rights,” which would protect it from governments and organisations.
Voices
Column: We've been given an opportunity to re-think our values as a nation... so what are they?
Where do we stand as a nation on issues like neutrality, aid and inequality? Ireland’s Foreign Policy Review allows us to have our say, writes Hans Zomer.