Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The triple-lock mechanism, involving Government and Dáil approval together with a UN resolution, applies in all cases where troops are deployed, under arms, on overseas peacekeeping missions. Under the provisions of the Defence Act, Dáil approval is not required if the number going overseas is fewer than 12.

On the criteria that apply, we must first decide how usefully Ireland can contribute to the mission. In addition, we must decide how well the mission is financed and how it gels with the demands of Irish foreign policy. Apart from whether our troops can improve the situation out there, the risk to our troops is the paramount consideration. That is something to which any Government sending troops abroad from this country has always paid great attention. Before making an informed decision, one must take advice and gather intelligence from the people who go out on reconnaissance and other relevant military personnel, as well as UN people. Therefore, the criteria comprise the list I have outlined along with the requirements of the triple-lock, which means UN authorisation, a Government decision and Dáil approval.

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