Young Fine Gael has criticised Fianna Fáil for its decision to delay the Defence (Amendment) Bill until the autumn, warning that the move undermines Ireland’s ability to modernise its peacekeeping framework and contradicts Fianna Fáil’s own commitments in both its election manifesto and the Programme for Government.
Young Fine Gael said the delay will significantly shorten the opportunity for structured cross‑party engagement, despite widespread recognition that the triple lock is no longer fit for purpose in a rapidly changing global security environment.
Young Fine Gael reaffirmed its strong support for the United Nations and for Ireland’s long-standing peacekeeping tradition. However, the organisation stressed that Ireland cannot allow its international role to be constrained by the political interests of the UN Security Council’s permanent members – China, Russia and the United States, whose veto powers have repeatedly blocked missions for reasons unrelated to Ireland’s values or security priorities.
Young Fine Gael warned that the triple lock effectively hands malevolent actors like Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Donald Trump the power to decide whether Óglaigh na hÉireann can operate beyond our waters – an unacceptable situation for a sovereign state committed to international peacekeeping.
Young Fine Gael also highlighted the clear hypocrisy of delaying this reform at a moment when security is one of Ireland’s core priorities for our upcoming EU Presidency, which Ireland assumes on July 1st – just days away. YFG notes that it is inconsistent to champion security as a central Presidency theme while postponing essential legislation that would strengthen Ireland’s ability to contribute credibly to European and international security efforts.
“Ireland has always led on peacekeeping. That leadership is weakened when our Defence Forces can be sidelined by geopolitical manoeuvring among the Permanent 5. Reforming the triple lock strengthens Ireland’s voice – it does not diminish the UN,” YFG President Jamie Malone said.
Young Fine Gael criticised Fianna Fáil for stepping back from a reform it has repeatedly endorsed.
“Fianna Fáil cannot claim to support reform while delaying the very legislation required to deliver it. This is a retreat from their own manifesto and from the Programme for Government,” Malone added.
Young Fine Gael is calling on the Government to recommit to passing the Defence (Amendment) Bill without further delay, ensuring that the legislation proceeds in line with the commitments made in both the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil manifestos, and as agreed in the Programme for Government. YFG also urges the Government to guarantee structured cross‑party engagement before the autumn session so that all parties have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to this essential reform.
“Fine Gael have led on this issue in Government with Minister McEntee earmarking this legislation for progression before the summer recess in recognition of its importance. It is disappointing to hear now that the Taoiseach is trying to delay the bill for internal political reasons. This legislation comes off the back of years of campaigning by Young Fine Gael, including the passing of a motion at our party’s Ard Fheis which changed party policy in this area,” Malone added.
In addition, Young Fine Gael is calling for a renewed effort to reaffirm Ireland’s leadership in peacekeeping by modernising the legal framework governing Defence Forces deployment, ensuring that Ireland can continue to lead internationally without being constrained by external vetoes.
“Ireland’s peacekeepers deserve a system that reflects today’s realities – not one that leaves our international role vulnerable to external vetoes,” Malone concluded.