Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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16. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of United Nations peace missions that Ireland has taken part in since 1960; the number of times Ireland indicated it would offer troops for missions that did not go ahead due to the exercise of a veto at the UN by one of the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council; the member involved in each veto; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23467/23]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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17. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of proposed United Nations peacekeeping missions since Ireland joined the UN that were supported by Ireland in the General Council of the UN and were ultimately blocked by a veto by a permanent member of the UN Security Council; the countries involved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23468/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 17 together.

Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping.  Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations.  This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

Ireland has a proud tradition of participation in UN and UN-authorised peace operations, as the only country with an unbroken record of service in UN peacekeeping missions since 1958. Our peacekeepers are recognised internationally for their expertise and experience.

Under the UN Charter, the UN Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. In fulfilling its mandate, the Security Council may adopt a range of measures, including the establishment of a UN peace mission or the authorisation of action by a group of States or a regional organisation, such as the European Union or the African Union.

The five permanent members of the Council can use their veto power to prevent the Security Council from taking decisions, including those related to the mandates of peacekeeping operations. In practice, the threat of a veto by a permanent member, rather than its actual use, is often enough to prevent the Council from taking action.

UN Member States are invited to contribute the personnel required for UN peacekeeping operations. The Government decides on a case-by-case basis whether, when and how to commit Defence Forces personnel to peacekeeping operations authorised by the UN Security Council. Ireland would only take such a decision after a Mission has been established or authorised by the Security Council.

Ireland has consistently opposed all use of the veto. During our most recent Security Council term from 2021-2022, the veto was used on a number of occasions to prevent the Council from taking action on critical issues. In December 2021, Russia vetoed a draft resolution on Climate and Security, an initiative of Ireland and Niger that had the support of 113 UN Member States. Since February 2022, Russia has used its veto power to prevent the Council from taking action to end its illegal war in Ukraine.

In 1999, a permanent member of the UN Security Council vetoed the renewal of the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP).  Because the subsequent European Union peace operation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (fYROM/CONCORDIA) did not have a UNSC mandate, Ireland was unable to participate in that mission.

Ireland plays an active role in UN General Assembly discussions on Security Council reform, through the ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiations, where we continue to call for an end to the use of the veto, particularly in cases of atrocity crimes. Ireland was part of a core group of States, led by Liechtenstein, which brought the ‘veto initiative’ resolution that was adopted by the UN General Assembly in April 2022. This now means that, whenever a veto is used, the General Assembly will automatically hold a debate, requiring the Security Council to submit a report, and inviting the Member State which used its veto to make a statement. This was one important step towards enhancing accountability and transparency in Security Council decisions.

Full details of  Defence Force deployments to  missions overseas since 1958 are listed in the tabular statement below. 

THE DEFENCE FORCES CONTRIBUTIONS TO PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS/

TRAINING MISSIONS AS AT 01 APRIL 2023