Vol. 567 No. 7
13 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether there is a case for allowing the Defence Forces to participate in EU-led operations approved, if not specifically authorised by, the UN Security Council. [14776/03]
18 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs in view of the fact that UN reliance on organisations such as the EU is likely to increase rather than diminish, his views on the implications of the current position arising when a contingent from the Army is requested to serve overseas in an operation which is approved or supported, but not necessarily established by the UN, and on the way in which to overcome the problems. [14777/03]
46 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there have been or are proposed to be changes in the procedures for Irish participation in international peacekeeping forces in circumstances where such participation is in bodies that were not established by the UN; the legislative changes the Government may be considering to such procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14775/03]
90 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the triple lock on Ireland's participation in international peacekeeping operations remains Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14743/03]
101 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he envisages policy changes being made in regard to the necessity of UN mandates for Irish troops serving abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14947/03]
136 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, especially in view of the inability of Ireland to take part in peacekeeping operations in Macedonia, he considers that the triple lock policy is no longer a viable policy in matters of peace keeping or peace enforcing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14986/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 18, 46, 90, 101 and 136 together.
The so-called "triple lock" on Ireland's participation in overseas operations, including those carried out under the European security and defence policy, was set out in the National Declaration made at Seville in June 2002. This declaration made clear that Ireland would participate only in such operations that received the "authorisation" of the UN Security Council or General Assembly. This means that the Government will not consider Ireland's participation in an operation, unless that operation has been officially authorised by the UN.
The Government has not given any consideration to modifying this triple lock on Ireland's participation in EU-led missions, nor has any proposal to amend the Defence Acts been brought before the Government.
This general issue arose recently in relation to the possibility of Ireland's participation in an EU-led operation which was sanctioned but not established by the UN Security Council. This was the EU military-monitoring mission in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, known as Operation Concordia.
