Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 March 2022
107. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence if it is envisaged that the Defence Forces would participate in peacekeeping measures should the need arise on the European continent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13363/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
The statutory authority for the despatch of contingents of the Permanent Defence Force for service overseas is set out in Section 2 of the Defence (Amendment) (No.2) Act, 1960 as amended by the Defence (Amendment) Act, 2006. In this regard, the conditions, which have been referred to as the “triple lock”, must be satisfied - i.e.
- the operation must be authorised/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, where the size of a Defence Forces contribution is more than twelve personnel.
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces constantly review the deployment of Irish personnel overseas. Any decision with regard to future deployments of Defence Forces personnel would have to be considered by reference to a number of other considerations, including the resourcing of the mission and the level of existing commitments to other peacekeeping operations and security requirements at home.
