Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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96. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to change the triple lock policy with respect to the deployment of Irish Defence Force personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37610/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The conditions under which Irish military personnel may be deployed for service outside the State as part of an International Force, referred to as the ‘triple lock’ mechanism, are set down in the Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act of 1960 as amended by the Defence (Amendment) Act of 2006. The service must be as part of an International United Nations Force as defined by the legislation; it must be approved by the Government; and, with certain limited exceptions, it must be approved by way of a resolution of Dáil Éireann.

The ‘triple lock’ reflects the central importance which Ireland accords to the role of the United Nations in relation to maintaining international peace and security which is integral to the pursuit of our foreign policy objectives and the promotion of our values. The authorisation of the United Nations confers international legitimacy on a military operation and ensures that it is undertaken only with the consent of the international community.

The ‘triple lock’ mechanism provides the essential foundation for the participation of Irish military personnel in overseas operations. I have no plans to change this policy.