Robert Troy
Ceist:230. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the plans with regard to the triple lock; and if this will be retained. [52687/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 2 October 2025
Ceisteanna (230)
Freagraí scríofa
I am happy to again set the Government’s intentions with regard to the proposed amendments to legislation governing the overseas deployments of the Defence Forces (the proposed Defence Amendment Bill) which were agreed by Cabinet on 4th March last. The pre-legislative scrutiny process, which provided the Oireachtas Committee with the opportunity to examine the General Scheme of the Bill and to consult relevant stakeholders on the draft Heads, was completed at the end of July and my Department is now examining the Committee’s Report on the matter.
Under the current proposals in the General Scheme to amend the existing legislation, the requirement for a UN mandate will be removed. I wish to underline that the legislation in place currently allows members of the UN Security Council, by means of a veto or threat of same, to bind Ireland's hands in its international engagement. The veto by a UN Security Council member on a proposed resolution for a full and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza on 4th June last, is further evidence of this, and it is simply untenable for this Government to continue with this policy.
I strongly believe that such considerations on international engagement should be within our sovereign control and the decision making within remain the remit of our Government and Dáil, which have been democratically elected by the people of Ireland.
In addition, the Bill will also deal with the despatch of members of the Defence Forces outside the State for any purpose other than for the purpose of service with an International Force. Additional circumstances are being proposed for inclusion such as undertaking military close protection duties; emergency evacuation of Irish citizen from volatile security environments. Given current global instability, there has unfortunately in recent years been a growing requirement to be able to despatch our troops quickly and have the necessary flexibility to urgently respond to any crisis where, for example, Irish citizens require assistance abroad, such as what occurred in Kabul in 2021, and in Sudan in 2023. This Bill will give legislative clarity on these type of operations.
It is my intention is to bring this Bill to Government in the coming months and for the various stages in the Oireachtas to commence before year end.