Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 13 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 3

Written Answers. - Triple Lock System.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

29 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the triple lock system regarding the deployment of the Defence Forces; and if he has discussed the matter with his European Union counterparts. [26825/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The Deputy will appreciate that primary responsibility for this matter lies with my colleague, the Minster for Defence.

At present, the Permanent Defence Force can only participate in overseas operations, including those carried out under the European Security and Defence Policy, ESDP, subject to a Government decision and where there is UN authorisation for the mission in question. In addition, a resolution by Dáil Éireann is required where the proposed number for deployment of Irish personnel exceeds 12. These conditions are set out in the Defence Acts and were reflected in the National Declaration made by Ireland at the Seville European Council in June 2002, in advance of the referendum on the Nice Treaty held in October of that year.

As was indicated by the Taoiseach at the national forum on Europe on 23 October, the Government does not have any proposals to make any changes to the current arrangements. In particular, the outcome of the ongoing Intergovernmental Conference of EU member states should be awaited.