Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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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. However no new peacekeeping missions have been approved by the UN Security Council since 2014.

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.

When the possibility of a veto emerged last year in relation to the renewal of UN authorisation for EUFOR Operation Althea, Ireland as a member of the UNSC at the time, was in a position to play a key role in securing the renewal of the UN mandate for this EU led Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where five members of the Defence Forces are currently deployed.

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.

I believe that the consultative forum on international security policy set to take place next month, will be an opportunity to examine such matters as the increasing use of the veto and the implications for the triple lock.