ánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris is set to bring forward a proposal to Cabinet next month to amend Ireland’s ‘triple lock’ system, which governs the deployment of Defence Forces peacekeepers overseas.
Under the current system, Ireland cannot send more than 12 peacekeepers abroad without the mission being approved by:
The Government argues that this system gives major powers—such as Russia—a say over Ireland’s peacekeeping efforts, even when there is a clear decision from the Irish Government and a Dáil majority in favor of a deployment.
However, the proposed changes face strong opposition from several parties, who argue that amending the system could undermine Ireland’s long-standing policy of neutrality.
The debate over Ireland’s future role in international peacekeeping is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as the Government pushes for greater control over Defence Forces deployments.
Under the current system, Ireland cannot send more than 12 peacekeepers abroad without the mission being approved by:
- The UN Security Council
- The Irish Government
- A vote in the Dáil
Proposed Changes to Remove UN Security Council Veto
The upcoming Defence (Amendment) Bill will propose removing the veto power held by permanent members of the UN Security Council, which currently restricts Ireland’s ability to deploy peacekeepers.The Government argues that this system gives major powers—such as Russia—a say over Ireland’s peacekeeping efforts, even when there is a clear decision from the Irish Government and a Dáil majority in favor of a deployment.
Political Divide Over Neutrality and Reform
Some Government ministers have criticised the triple lock, arguing that it limits Ireland’s sovereignty and ability to respond to international crises.However, the proposed changes face strong opposition from several parties, who argue that amending the system could undermine Ireland’s long-standing policy of neutrality.
The debate over Ireland’s future role in international peacekeeping is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as the Government pushes for greater control over Defence Forces deployments.
