Cabinet set to dismantle triple lock as it amends laws over deploying Irish troops

Mon, 26 Jan, 2026 - 01:05

Tadgh McNally

The Government will be required to undertake annual expert reviews of new laws which change how Ireland deploys troops abroad.

Ministers are expected to approve a series of amendments to new laws which would dismantle Ireland’s triple lock system for deploying soldiers abroad, by removing the need for a UN mandate for peacekeeping missions.

At present, the triple lock mechanism bars the deployment of 12 or more troops abroad unless there is a UN mandate, government approval, and a Dáil resolution.

The new laws will also increase the number of troops that can be deployed without a Dáil vote up to 50.

It is expected that the Cabinet will approve the laws as early as this week.#

While the laws are mostly unchanged from those proposed last year, defence minister Helen McEntee is bringing forward two amendments.

This includes a stronger annual review of Irish troops deployed abroad as part of international forces.

One Government source suggested these expert reviews could be carried out by members of the judiciary or other senior legal professionals.

Foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee is bringing forward two amendments including a stronger annual review of Irish troops deployed abroad as part of international forces. Picture: PA

There will be a new statutory mechanism introduced which would require the defence minister to write to the Oireachtas defence and national security committee if the Government is deploying 50 troops or less abroad.

Government sources have said the changes address issues raised by the Oireachtas defence and national security committee.

The committee had recommended that, before troops are deployed abroad as part of an international force, there should be an independent legal review.

The committee said findings should be made available to Oireachtas members and that a version, redacted where necessary, be made public.

It is understood Ms McEntee has asked officials in the Department of Defence to outline possible options for a legal oversight mechanism surrounding laws to remove the triple lock.

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However, it is expected that this will require discussions with the Attorney General before further amendments are made to the legislation.

The Government has repeatedly said the triple lock is no longer fit for purpose, citing the fact that the UN Security Council has not approved a peacekeeping mission since 2014.

The opposition has criticised the proposals, accusing the Government of moving Ireland away from neutrality.

It comes as ministers are expected to meet at Farmleigh on Tuesday evening, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin seeking updates on their priorities for 2026.