ieExplains: What is the triple lock — and why the Government wants to abolish it

The Government plans to remove UN approval from overseas troop deployments, reshaping Ireland’s long-standing defence and neutrality framework

The triple lock is a three-step approval process required before Ireland can deploy more than 12 Defence Forces personnel overseas. File picture

The Government is set to abolish Ireland’s ‘triple lock’ system for sending troops abroad, with legislation expected to progress through the Dáil shortly.

Discussions on the significant change in Irish foreign and defence policy have continued for years, with the proposal first floated by Taoiseach Micheál Martin in 2023.