Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Last year’s Consultative Forum on International Security Policy featured a well-informed discussion on the issue of UN peacekeeping and the “Triple Lock", contributed to by a wide and varied perspective of views on this matter, and which was subsequently reflected in the Chair’s report. This debate provided ample evidence of ways in which to continue Ireland’s long-standing record on peacekeeping, while ensuring adherence to the highest standards of international law.

I wish to re-confirm that any change to the Triple Lock will continue to require Government and Dáil approval for the dispatch of Defence Forces’ personnel to take part in peacekeeping and similar missions and will do nothing to change Ireland’s traditional position of military neutrality, which is characterised by Ireland's non-participation in any military alliance.

As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the provisions of Dáil Standing Order 174A, as Minister of Defence I am required to refer the General Scheme of a Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny consideration by the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to determine if pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme is required.