Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy knows, the triple lock mechanism, which sets out the requirements for the deployment of the Defence Forces for peacekeeping operations, is set down in legislation. The legislation provides that the operation must be mandated by the United Nations, approved by the Government and approved by way of a resolution of Dáil Éireann. Any modification to the triple lock requirements for peacekeeping operations overseas, where the Irish Government can deploy Defence Forces personnel, would require a change in primary legislation to remove the requirement for the operation to be mandated by the United Nations.

We need to look at this and have a discussion on it because of where we are with the United Nations, in particular, with the composition of the Security Council and the behaviour of certain of its members. The significant reluctance to facilitate peacekeeping missions could impinge on the sovereignty of the Irish State in deciding whether it wants to participate in peacekeeping missions into the future. There is a real dark cloud over whether there will be future UN-mandated peacekeeping missions. I would welcome an Oireachtas debate and discussion on this, free from calling people out, name-calling or labelling. We need an informed and mature debate on this because the way things have evolved is such that Russia has a veto on whether Ireland takes part in peacekeeping in the future. We need to reflect on that. I genuinely believe that, having thought about it over the last six months when this issue has been raised. There is a cause for reflection on the part of all of us.

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