Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
30. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will elaborate on his recent remarks regarding the Triple Lock and Irish peacekeeping missions; his views on whether Ireland’s Triple Lock should be changed; if he would hope to change it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20677/23]
View answerThe so-called “Triple Lock” mechanism, which sets out the requirements for the deployment of the Defence Forces for peacekeeping operations overseas, is set down in legislation, in particular the Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1960 and the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006, as amended.
The legislation provides that:
* the operation must be mandated by the United Nations;
* it must be approved by the Government; and
* it must be approved by way of a resolution of Dáil Éireann
Any modification to the triple lock requirements for peacekeeping operations overseas, where the Irish Government can deploy Defence Force personnel, would require a change in primary legislation to remove the requirement for the operation to be mandated by the United Nations.
While there are no immediate plans to change the triple lock requirements, my Department has recently commenced work on a Strategic Defence Review, which will provide an opportunity to review all aspects of defence policy, including the conditions under which Defence Forces' personnel are deployed overseas.
It is likely that the Consultative Forum on International Security, to take place at the end of June, will also consider the issue of the triple lock, as part of its consideration of a wide range of foreign and defence policy issues. Members of the public and other stakeholders will have their opportunity to contribute to that consideration.
