Tánaiste to bring legislation to amend triple lock 

Currently, the triple lock mechanism only allows deployment of 12 or more troops where there is a UN mandate either from the Security Council or General Assembly, Government approval, and a Dáil resolution.

The Government is to take the first step in dismantling Ireland's triple lock system that governs the deployment of peacekeepers abroad.

Tánaiste Simon Harris is to bring forward draft legislation to cabinet this week to amend the triple lock, which would mean the UN Security Council would no longer have a role in sanctioning members of the Defence Forces to take part in overseas peacekeeping missions.

Mr Harris stressed that a move to change the triple lock to a double lock will not impact on this country's neutrality, but added: "I am determined to move on this issue, and this shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody."

The Tánaiste suggested that the changes could also allow members of the Defence Forces to take part in peacekeeping missions in Ukraine.

While he said he does not believe Russia is currently interested in brokering a deal, he added: "If there was peace, a peace agreement, I don't think Ireland can recuse itself from being willing to considering playing a part in a peacekeeping mission. But we're not at that point."

Currently, the triple lock mechanism only allows deployment of 12 or more troops where there is a UN mandate either from the Security Council or General Assembly, Government approval, and a Dáil resolution.

Mr Harris said: "The idea of the UN Security Council having a veto on where we deploy Irish troops in relation to peacekeeping is something that needs to be modified. 

"We cannot have a situation where any one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Russia or anybody else can veto that decision. We need to be empowered to do that."

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He pointed out Ireland is a founding member of a maritime analysis and operations centre on narcotics, but has been unable to participate in the work being carried out because it doesn't have a UN mandate.

Mr Harris proposes increasing the number of troops who could be sent on peacekeeping missions without triggering the triple lock from 12 to 50.

"That is in line with military advice," he told RTÉ radio. 

Tánaiste Simon Harris proposes increasing the number of troops who could be sent on peacekeeping missions without triggering the triple lock from 12 to 50.

"That 50 includes all of the various personnel that would be required to go on a mission.

"Secondly, I am proposing instead of the UN Security Council and effectively Putin or others having a veto on where our troops go, that missions would have to be in line with the UN Charter."

The bill being brought to cabinet on Tuesday will give legislative clarity to operations where Irish citizens require assistance abroad, such as what happened in Kabul in 2021, and in Sudan in 2023.

The measures are seen as a way to pursue independent foreign polity, with government sources stressing that there would be continued compliance with the highest standards of international law.

Mr Harris said: "This has nothing whatsoever to do with military neutrality. We are remaining militarily neutral. We are not joining any military alliances. 

"But it does mean we have to be empowered to work particularly with other European countries on peacekeeping missions."