Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A number of people contributed to that very important discussion on security and defence and they deserve to be heard. The issue of the triple lock came up at that forum and it highlighted the need to revisit triple lock requirements. As such, one of the key outcomes of the forum was the need for a new process to replace the current system underpinning the deployment of Irish troops abroad, which effectively allows UN Security Council members to bind Ireland's hands in international engagement through the exercise of a veto or indeed the threat of same. Anyone who watches the operation of the UN Security Council knows that the threat of a veto can often be enough to stymie the mandate of a peacekeeping operation.

Any legislative proposals we bring forward in this House will continue to require Government and Dáil approval for the dispatch of Defence Forces personnel to take part in peacekeeping. Ireland’s traditional position on military neutrality will not change. This is characterised by Ireland’s non-participation in any military alliance or any common or mutual defence agreements. Making the changes proposed will simply remove the veto power of the Security Council members over Ireland’s international engagement. We will also try to address some other issues too. I may not have time to go into all of them but there will be plenty of time for the House to consider proposals. However, for example, when we go to provide security support to Irish embassies abroad, it is important that we are able to provide that support and the deployment of military personnel overseas for this purpose was not deemed to be covered under current legislation. That is a challenge the Government faces. I know we are united in all wanting to support our diplomats and embassies abroad. Equally, there is an issue around the number of troops which can be deployed. Currently, the deployment overseas of an armed Defence Forces contingent greater than 12 triggers the triple lock. If you look at a number of the traditional peacekeeping activities this country is involved in, however, including the UNDOF and UNIFIL missions, often the platoon size can be 30 and can even rise to 50. There are a number of issues we need to tease out in this regard.

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