Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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216. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there are deployments being planned in anticipation of the removal of the triple lock, for example, with EU Battlegroups or other international forces without UN mandate; the scope of those deployments; who they are in conjunction with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31775/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There are no deployments currently being planned in anticipation of the legislative amendments proposed under the Defence Amendment Bill.

Where any deployments are proposed, in the assessment of any request to participate in an overseas peacekeeping mission, among the main considerations are its compliance with Irish law and our foreign policy. Other elements include consent of the host nation, trust in partners in the operation and that the operation operates in accordance with international law and consistent with the UN Charter, as well as resources and capacity in the Defence Forces.

In evaluating proposals to join an operation consideration of the legal framework, rules of engagement, the concept of operations will also form the basis of deliberations.

With respect to EU military missions, they operate in accordance with Article 21 of the Treaty of the European Union. This requires that the Union’s action shall be guided by the principles of democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

Specifically concerning the EU Battlegroup, Defence Forces participation supports the interoperability of our Defence Forces with other militaries which is fundamental to our peace operations. Our current deployment to UNIFIL is a case in point, where Defence Forces personnel operate, as part of UNIFIL’s IRISHPOLBATT, in tandem with personnel from Malta, Poland and Hungary.

Furthermore, participation in EU Battlegroups enhances our capacity to influence the ongoing development and evolution of the rapid response capacity of the EU, in particular, the role Battlegroups can play in reinforcing and acting as a strategic reserve for UN operations. It is therefore a concept very much welcomed by the UN.

Participation in a Battlegroup has no effect on our traditional policy of military neutrality and our commitment to a Battlegroup does not involve any commitment to common or mutual defence.

The current Government approval in place with regard to participation in the German-led EU Battlegroup 2025 relates to the training and standby phase. In the event of any deployment of the Battlegroup, approval would have to be sought in line with the current legislation underpinning Defence Forces overseas deployments.

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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217. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his Department's understanding of the scope and limitations of "strengthening international security" as justification for deployment of members of the Defence Forces overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31774/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is committed to playing a positive and constructive role in the maintenance of international peace and security, as evidenced by the long standing participation of our Defence Forces in peace operations. In the context of deploying members of the Defence Forces overseas to peace operations, Ireland’s aim in “strengthening international security” intends to reflect our commitment to supporting global peace and security. However, I recognise that there must be a considered justification for the deployment of our Defence Forces overseas which should encompass the legal, political and strategic perspectives arising from participation.

In this context, the scope of ‘strengthening international security’ deliberations would include assessing the aim and objectives of the operation, the tasks of the operation, and the expected outcome of the operation in creating or restoring conditions to enable the successful transition of the country or region to a more sustainable peaceful and secure environment. The scope of the operation could extend to the prevention of instability within a state or regional instability, the protection of civilians and supporting states to build a sustainable peace. Within those deliberations reassurance would be required that the proposals are underpinned by international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

As part of an international force, whether authorised by the UN or the EU or some other International organisation this Government accepts there must be a legitimate basis for the peace operation and must be established in the interest of international peace and security. Additionally, it is the case that deployments are not just about stopping violence or stopping warring factions, they will often contribute to the protection of human rights, the facilitation of humanitarian access, and the support of post-conflict recovery efforts.

I recognise that it is important to ensure that there are principles that will apply and limitations which will include that the mission or operation will be mandated, consistent with the principles of international law and the UN Charter, consistent with the principles of state sovereignty, and subject to parliamentary oversight. Deployment must serve the national interest and be proportionate to the threat or need and that the mission be bound by rules of engagement that reflect the nature of the mission.

In bringing forward the Defence Amendment Bill, this Government remains committed to ensuring that while strengthening international security is a vital and legitimate objective that may justify overseas deployment of our defence forces, such action must always be framed by international legal mandates, clear mission objectives, operational constraints, and a commitment to accountability. Our defence forces personnel serve not only in defence of our nation, but in service to international peace since 1958. We will continue to uphold those values in every deployment undertaken.