Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

133. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Ireland’s triple lock will apply to all joint military development or procurement initiatives which Ireland undertakes with other countries under PESCO. [2929/18]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

134. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the triple lock will be used to ensure that multi-country military procurement which Ireland participates in or financially contributes to under PESCO is approved by the Cabinet, agreed by Dáil Éireann and subject to a UN mandate. [2930/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.

Under the Defence Acts, the deployment of the Defence Forces overseas on peacekeeping missions requires the approval of the Government and Dáil Éireann and the specific mission must be authorised by the United Nations Security Council.  This is what is termed the “triple-lock”.  The United Nations Security Council has the primary role in relation to the maintenance of international peace and security and, under Chapter VI and VII of the UN Charter, authorises the deployment of military forces in support of international peace and security.  However, neither the UN nor the UN Security Council have any role in relation to States' capability development or equipment procurement.   

Ireland will only join PESCO projects to develop a capability that will enhance our interoperability and assist with equipping our troops with the latest and best equipment and training for peace keeping, conflict prevention or the strengthening of international security in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.