Written Answers Nos. 161-181
162. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the provisions which have been made to ensure that agencies, organisations, and charities funded by his Department will meet their obligations under the new AE scheme. [62468/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra163. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a breakdown of every agency, not-for-profit organisation, charity or service provider directly funded by his Department; and the details of each specific directly funded post in each body, in tabular form. [62473/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.
There are no agencies under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
My Department works with a number of civil society organisations in the realisation of key foreign policy priorities, including in the delivery of Irish Aid, the Government of Ireland's international development programme.
A full list of civil society partners funded by Irish Aid is available in its annual reports which can be found here:
Annual reports | Ireland.ie www.ireland.ie/en/irish-aid/news-and-publications/annual-reports/.
In addition to Irish Aid funding, other schemes operated by my Department to support the delivery of our priorities at home and abroad include:
• Emigrant Support Programme
• Reconciliation and Shared Island Funding
• Communicating Europe Initiative
Further information on these schemes may be found at: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade funding www.gov.ie/en/department-of-foreign-affairs/services/department-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade-funding/.
My Department has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Charities Regulatory Authority which provides a framework for sharing information on Irish NGOs in receipt of such funding.
Finally, my Department works closely with a number of domestic and international partners to provide guidance and support to Irish citizens in difficulty or distress abroad and who are in need of consular assistance in cases such as deaths, arrests, imprisonments, serious injuries, missing persons, citizens with mental health difficulties, and other emergencies. Civil society partners in Ireland include Crosscare, Safe Home Ireland, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and the Samaritans.
164. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade following recent remarks by the European Commission about the UK’s unilateral changes to the Windsor Framework raising trust deficits in UK-EU trade relations, if he could provide an assessment of the implications for Ireland’s cross-border trade and Northern Ireland Protocol implementation; the steps the Government is taking to ensure that Irish exporters, including from Cork port-region, are protected against regulatory or procedural divergence; and how Ireland is leveraging its position in EU policy forums to ensure the protocol remains fit-for-purpose and supports regional stability. [62500/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Windsor Framework, an agreement reached between the EU and UK in 2023, acknowledges the unique circumstances on the all-island of Ireland within the context of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU in 2016. Through it, the gains of the Good Friday Agreement have been protected, while also providing certainty and clarity for the people and businesses of Northern Ireland and across the island of Ireland. The agreed upon safeguards and facilitations contained within the Windsor Framework ensure that Northern Ireland, while remaining part of the United Kingdom’s internal market, also retains access to the EU’s single market for goods. Crucially, this avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland and protects the all-island economy.
The full, timely, and faithful implementation of the Windsor Framework remains a priority for Ireland. In my engagements with my EU and UK counterparts, I continue to stress the importance of the implementation of the Windsor Framework, noting that it is crucial to protecting the gains of the Good Friday Agreement, the all-island economy, and protecting the EU single market. My colleague, the Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, similarly raises this matter in his engagements with both EU and UK counterparts. Additionally, within the Windsor Framework, and the wider EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, there are clear procedures and mechanisms in place to address any issues that may arise.
Specifically, the Specialised Committee, chaired by the EU and UK, meets regularly to monitor progress on Windsor Framework implementation and to discuss any matters that arise. Through these committees, my officials are afforded the opportunity to deliver an intervention on behalf of Ireland in recognition of the unique circumstances that exist on the island of Ireland as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the EU. More broadly, across the Council of the European Union, in particular the Working Party on the United Kingdom, government officials continue to advocate and advance Ireland’s interests on this specific matter.
As Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I am acutely aware of the challenges that uncertainty in the global trading environment brings for businesses. Following the UK’s decision to leave the EU in 2016, successive Irish governments have prioritised supporting businesses to navigate the challenges that emerged. I have continued to engage with relevant stakeholders on this matter, most recently on 29 September 2025 when I chaired a meeting of the Brexit Stakeholders’ Forum. My officials and I will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure clear guidance and advice is available where needed.
Following discussions at the Government Trade Forum, which I chair, I am acutely aware of the concerns businesses have in adapting to a challenging global trading environment. Along with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, I launched the Government Action Plan on Market Diversification in August 2025. This plan seeks to support Ireland’s businesses through concerted actions by Departments and State agencies to adapt to the global trading environment by striking out into new and diverse markets and deepening engagement in existing markets, including the UK market. We continue to invest in the strong political and people-to-people connections, which allows us to maximise value from what remains a vital market for Irish exporters.
I would also like to note the work of InterTradeIreland who are supporting businesses in navigating this new context, and continuing to promote all-island trade. Through their trade hub, InterTradeIreland have consistently supported SMEs on both sides of the border to manage the complexities associated with Brexit. They have to date supported over 60,000 businesses and I am confident they are well positioned to support them through any future challenges. I am pleased to note that InterTradeIreland has reported that the total volume of trade (in goods and services) between Northern Ireland and Ireland in 2023 reached approximately €15bn, an increase of €3bn as compared to 2022. Cross-border trade in goods in 2024 reached €10.6bn, an increase of 5% on 2023.
I wish to assure the Deputy that my officials and I will continue to advocate for and advance Ireland’s interests across all EU forums.
165. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his position on the recent crackdown on opposition by the Chama Cha Mapinduzi government in Tanzania; the implications this has for Irish Aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62519/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra167. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent election in Tanzania (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62663/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 167 together.
The Government is very concerned at the violence and deaths in Tanzania following the Presidential and parliamentary elections held on 28 and 29 October. For several days after the elections, demonstrations took place in major cities leading to outbreaks of violence, destruction of property and road closures. There are credible reports that over 1,000 people were killed following a brutal response by the security forces.
The narrowing of political space in the run-up to the elections, including the arrest of opposition leader Tundu Lissu and reported human rights abuses are a matter of serious concern. We note the preliminary statements of the South African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union electoral observer missions which express concern on the conduct of the elections.
We strongly support the statement by the EU High Representative expressing concern at these events, including the lack of a level playing field in the pre-election period. Along with other EU Member States, Ireland expects swift investigation and resolution of all cases of arrest. All reported incidents of violence, disappearances, abductions and deaths should be thoroughly and swiftly investigated. Ireland underlines the need for reconciliation and national dialogue to address the division in the country.
The Embassy of Ireland in Dar es Salaam continues to monitor the situation closely and is coordinating with the EU and other like-minded Embassies. The Embassy has attend the court hearings of Tundu Lissu’s case and, in advance of the election, Ireland also joined other EU Member States and the Head of the EU Delegation in a meeting with the Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs. We expressed our deep concerns about the shrinking democratic space and human rights abuses, in particular reported incidents of abductions, disappearances, and even deaths.
During the election itself, officials from our Embassy participated in a Diplomatic Watch observation mission, along with EU and like-minded missions.
In line with Ireland’s international development policy A Better World and the Government’s strategy for Africa, Ireland’s development cooperation programme in Tanzania focuses on helping the furthest behind first. Ireland’s work in Tanzania is grounded in decades of development assistance, people to people links and cultural and political exchange. Our approach includes an emphasis on human rights, governance, health and nutrition and sustainable livelihoods. Ireland will continue to work along with EU and like-minded partners to strengthen governance while fulfilling our commitment to helping those furthest behind.
166. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with Ireland participating in the EU-CELAC Summit of 9-10 November, and the forthcoming EU Council agenda of 10-23 November, covering key issues such as energy taxation, customs-duty relief and EU-UK relations, how the Government will ensure that Ireland’s export- and energy-intensive sectors are protected, that duties or taxes do not disadvantage Irish firms and that Ireland’s voice is amplified within the Danish presidency to secure favourable terms for our economy. [62577/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, through our engagement at EU level, including participation in meetings of the Council of Ministers, plays a proactive role in shaping a European Union that reflects Irish values and interests in its policies and ambitions. We work to prioritise economic competitiveness in the EU and to support an ambitious EU trade agenda with a view to advancing Ireland’s economic interests.
Over the coming weeks, Irish Ministers will engage with their EU counterparts in a number of meetings, including at the Economic and Financial Affairs Council, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, the General Affairs Council, and the Foreign Affairs Council in Trade format.
Each of those Councils will discuss proposals that will advance the interests of Irish business and trade in areas such as including competitiveness, simplification, international trade and the new long-term EU budget for 2028-2030 (the Multiannual Financial Framework), energy, and financial services, to name but a few.
The EU-CELAC summit in Colombia, where Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne represented Ireland, provided an opportunity for us to join with partners in reiterating the importance of this bi-regional relationship based on shared values and interests, with attendees discussing the importance of multilateralism as well as trade and investment opportunities, which will be of interest to Irish businesses.
Our goal, as ever in all our our engagements at EU level, is to deepen relationships and alliances with our EU partners, with the European institutions, and with third countries, with a view to ensuring Ireland’s positions on key files are well understood and reflected, in order to advance our interests and values.
168. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of vacant and derelict buildings in County Mayo owned by his Department that are vacant or rented, by the region/towns location of the buildings, in tabular form. [62672/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not own or lease any properties within this jurisdiction. The Office of Public Works is responsible for all accommodation utilised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade within the state.
169. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has received correspondence from an organisation outlining concerns regarding new controls proposed for the River Suir (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62407/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the Department received this correspondence on transfer from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine this week and a formal reply is being prepared.
In setting out annual fisheries legislation regarding salmon management, the Department and I consistently act in line with Government policy that salmon management is aligned with scientific advice.
The annual Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Regulations which come into operation on 1 January each year (following a public consultation process), sets out the status of each of Ireland ‘s more than 140 salmon rivers - including the River Suir - as open, open to catch and release or closed to harvest. These regulations are based on the annual management advice of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) supported by independent annual scientific assessments by the Technical Expert Group on Salmon (TEGOS) on the basis that each river has a genetically unique stock.
Currently, IFI is analysing the latest scientific advice from TEGOS which will be transmitted onwards to the Department in due course. The results of the stock assessment and associated catch advice for the 2026 season to be provided for in the draft Regulations is expected to be available for public consultation in mid-November 2025. The public consultation process will be conducted and advertised by the Department and will be open for 30 days to allow for stakeholder review and feedback during this period.
As per the established process, I intend to make and finalise these Regulations relating to the 2026 season after the consultation process has ended in December.
170. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total spend on batteries supplying the electricity grid from 2018 to date in 2025, by year; and the estimate over procurement of batteries each year from 2018 to date to date in 2025, by year, in tabular form. [62306/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. The procurement of battery storage facilities supplying the electricity grids is an operational matter for the entities involved and is not one in which the Minister has a statutory function. EirGrid, the Transmission System Operator, in conjunction with the regulatory authority, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, develop the primary procurement mechanisms to incorporate electricity storage onto the grid to ensure the proper functioning of the grid. The electricity storage systems including battery electricity storage systems are then developed by private enterprise. The Deputy may wish to engage with CRU or EirGrid directly regarding the issue that he is raising. Both CRU (oireachtas@cru.ie) and EirGrid (oireachtas@eirgrid.ie) have contact email addresses for Deputies should they wish to raise matters of concern such as that in the Question.
171. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for a breakdown of every agency, not-for-profit organisation, charity or service provider directly funded by his Department; and the details of each specific directly funded post in each body. [62474/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not directly fund any not-for-profit organisation, charity or service provider. With regards to agencies under my Departments aegis, the following are directly funded:-
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
• Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)
• Loughs Agency (North South Body funded on a 50:50 basis between Ireland and Northern Ireland)
• Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA).
Funding provided directly to agencies and bodies under aegis of my Department funds the operations, including all associated posts. The details of each specific post funded in this way is an operational matter for each agency, and as such the Deputy may wish to contact those agencies directly. Contact details are set out in the attached document for ease of reference.
List of Agencies under the aegis of Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment
|
Agency |
|
|
Bord na Mona |
oireachtas@bnm.ie |
|
CRU |
oireachtas@cru.ie |
|
Eirgrid |
oireachtas@eirgrid.ie |
|
EPA |
oireachtasqueries@epa.ie |
|
ESB |
oireachtas@esb.ie |
|
IFI |
oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie |
|
INPC |
enquiries@nora.ie |
|
Loughs Agency |
oireachtasqueries@loughs-agency.org |
|
MARA |
oireachtas@mara.gov.ie |
|
NORA |
enquiries@nora.ie |
|
SEAI |
oireachtas@seai.ie |
172. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures in place to support small businesses in transitioning to using renewable sources of energy. [62621/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through schemes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), provides various supports to small businesses which can assist these enterprises in increasing their energy efficiency and lowering their carbon emissions.
Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA),
The SSEA was launched in July 2021 and provides support up to a maximum of €2,000 per business site (max. of 3 sites) to cover the costs of a typical energy audit. The scheme provides support for SMEs to carry out energy audits and therefore encourage them to implement the energy saving measures identified. It is open to all public and private sector organisations that have an annual energy expenditure of €10,000 or more and are not already required to carry out an energy audit under the Energy Efficiency Directive.
There has been significant uptake of support to businesses through the scheme since its launch.
Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS)
The BEUS opened for applications in late 2024 and is targeted at providing a tailored pathway for SMEs to support retrofit activity, following their participation in existing education and audit supports. This capital support will be focussed on high impact optimisation and control opportunities in existing buildings to reduce demand, with targeted support for retrofit measures and heat pump adoption. The proposed support is twofold; support for technical assistance (optimisation of existing HVAC systems, building renovation passports, and RES-H design activities) and capital support (commoditised grants for a menu of measures). It was built on the IT platform the SEAI have for the microgeneration grant, which means a single online application and payment process, and instant approval for grant funding.
There are a broad range of enterprise supports available that assist businesses with energy and climate initiatives, with funding from a variety of sources (not just the SEAI). Further information on the broader supports can be found on the “Climate Toolkit for Business” website:
www.climatetoolkit4business.gov.ie/next-steps-and-further-information/.
173. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of vacant and derelict buildings in County Mayo owned by his Department that are vacant or rented, by the region/towns location of the buildings, in tabular form. [62666/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is not aware of any vacant or derelict buildings in the ownership of the Minister in County Mayo.
The information sought in the Question in relation to each agency or public body under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each of the State Bodies concerned and, as such, it is not information held by my Department. It is suggested that the Deputy contact the Bodies directly in relation to this matter. A list of these Bodies and their dedicated Oireachtas email addresses is attached.
|
Agency |
|
|
Bord na Mona |
oireachtas@bnm.ie |
|
CRU |
oireachtas@cru.ie |
|
Eirgrid |
oireachtas@eirgrid.ie |
|
EPA |
oireachtasqueries@epa.ie |
|
ESB |
oireachtas@esb.ie |
|
IFI |
oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie |
|
INPC |
enquiries@nora.ie |
|
Loughs Agency |
oireachtasqueries@loughs-agency.org |
|
MARA |
oireachtas@mara.gov.ie |
|
NORA |
enquiries@nora.ie |
|
SEAI |
oireachtas@seai.ie |
174. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will submit a business case to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to allow former members of the Defence Forces (with less than 21 years’ service prior to the enactment of the single pension scheme, and with greater than 26 weeks break in service) who subsequently take a position within the public service/civil service post 1 January 2013, to have their pension contributions transferred to the single pension scheme in their new position as they are not entitled to a defined benefit unlike other civil servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62341/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOccupational pension (superannuation) terms for members of the PDF are provided under the Defence Forces Pensions Schemes, relevant circulars and legislation, and under public service pension policy.
The specific terms that apply to any individual depend primarily on the date a person joins the PDF and on whether that person is joining the Public Service for the first time. Their entitlements also depend on their specific circumstances and on many variables including rank, pensionable service and pensionable remuneration.
The main dates of joining that dictate a difference in the pension terms which apply are:
• before 1 April 2004 [the DF Pre-2004 Pension Scheme],
• after 1 April 2004 but before 1 January 2013 [the DF Post-2004 Pension Scheme],
• after 1 January 2013 [the Single Pension Scheme]
The Deputy’s query appears to refer to a specific scenario in relation to enlisted personnel who joined the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) before April 2004. Where enlisted personnel leave the DF with less than 21 years’ service and have no entitlement to a pension, and then rejoin the public service after a break of 26 weeks, they are then a member of the Single Pension Scheme, in accordance with the 2012 Act.
It is important to note that the DF Pre-2004 Scheme is a non-contributory scheme, as such members do not pay explicit main scheme contributions.
There is no facility to transfer benefits accrued in pre-existing public service pension schemes into the Single Scheme. This is the case for all public servants who are members of that Scheme. However there is provision to purchase additional benefits under the Single Scheme.
Where an individual holds a pension entitlement under both a pre-existing public service pension scheme and the Single Scheme, this will give rise to separate benefits payable in accordance with the terms of the scheme(s) concerned. In the case outlined in question, the person would not have an entitlement to a pension but would have entitlement to a short service gratuity. This is payable at flat rates that depend on retiring rank and qualifying service.
175. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures in place to support the physical and mental health outcomes of veterans of the Defence Forces. [62446/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that I recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel. In this regard, my Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations which represent all former personnel, namely the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE).
My officials and I meet regularly with these recognised Veterans Associations to discuss matters of concern to their members. My Department has also entered into Service Level Agreements with IUNVA and ONE, under which an annual grant is paid to both organisations in order to assist with their administrative overheads. IUNVA is paid €40,000 per year and ONE is paid €173,000. These grants were increased substantially in 2022 and have been increased again in 2025.
As a further means of assistance, since 2021 my Department has secured funding of €1,100,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects.
With the support of government funding, both ONE and IUNVA provide assistance for veterans and their families, with ONE, in particular, offering counselling and other services. They also provide information on pensions, social welfare benefits and other entitlements.
In addition to the supports highlighted to the recognised Veterans Associations, the Defence Forces Personal Support Service also provides limited support to retired members of the Defence Forces on a case-by-case basis, as well as assisting IUNVA and ONE in their work providing advice and support to veterans. Furthermore, as with other members of society, former members of the Permanent Defence Force who experience difficulties have access to the range of supports available to all citizens under the Health Acts.
You may also wish to note that the Office of Veteran Affairs has recently been formally established. This Office, which was a recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces and a commitment in the current Programme for Government, will play a key role in coordinating matters relating to Defence Forces’ veterans. It will be based within the Department of Defence and will work across Government to ensure that Veterans receive the support and benefits to which they are entitled.
176. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will address the genuine concerns regarding RDF treatment issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62534/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI regret that it is not possible to provide a response to the Deputy within the timeframe available. I will respond to the Deputy when the matter has been examined.
177. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the specific instances where the Triple Lock mechanism has prevented the deployment of Irish Defence Forces personnel in situations where the Government, the Defence Forces, and the Oireachtas were otherwise willing to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62656/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra178. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide details of any occasions since the introduction of the Triple Lock where a proposed deployment reached Cabinet approval stage but could not be advanced due to the absence of a UN Security Council mandate; and to confirm whether any such deployment was subsequently deemed critical to Ireland’s foreign policy objectives. [62657/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the commitments made by the Government during the referenda on the Nice and Lisbon Treaties regarding the preservation of Ireland’s policy of military neutrality, including the role of the Triple Lock, and to explain how the proposed removal of the Triple Lock aligns with those commitments. [62658/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the Government has obtained a clear democratic mandate from the Irish electorate to remove the Triple Lock, given that the mechanism was introduced as a political guarantee underpinning previous EU Treaty referenda; and if not, to set out the rationale for proceeding without a referendum. [62659/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra181. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to detail any proposed alternative oversight or democratic accountability mechanism that would replace the UN authorisation element of the Triple Lock; the way the Government intends to ensure that future overseas deployments remain transparent, justified, and consistent with Ireland’s longstanding policy of military neutrality. [62660/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra182. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the proposed removal of the Triple Lock is connected to commitments made to EU or NATO partners, including within the framework of PESCO or the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy. [62661/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra183. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to assess the likely impact of removing the Triple Lock on Ireland’s international reputation as a neutral, independent, and peace-focused State; and to provide any Departmental analysis or external advice received in this regard. [62662/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 183, inclusive, together.
I will address these Parliamentary questions together.
At the outset, I wish to highlight that proposals for overseas deployments have not been not brought to Government for approval in the absence of a UN Security Council Mandate.
As I stated in Dáil, last Thursday, 6th November, the current Triple Lock legislation in place allows members of the UN Security Council, by means of a veto or indeed threat of same, to bind this country's hands in its international peacekeeping engagement. Recent vetoes by a UN Security Council member on a proposed resolution for a full and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza last June and September, as well as the challenges evidenced over the summer with regard to the extension of the UNIFIL mandate are ample evidence of the issues impacting the decisions, and indeed, the efficacy, of the UN Security Council. With regard to the UNIFIL mandate particularly, in the event that the UNIFIL mandate was not extended, Ireland would have been in the position of having to plan to withdraw its Defence Forces personnel from UNIFIL immediately following the expiration of the mandate. Operation Althea in Bosnia is another recent example where issues arose in 2022 around the continuation of a UNSC mandate for missions, where Ireland was faced with the possibility of having to withdraw our personnel from that mission as the rollover of the mandate was not immediately forthcoming. This was eventually resolved, thankfully, and indeed, I note and welcome the recent extension to this Mission’s mandate at UN HQ in New York. It is important again, however, to note that no new peacekeeping missions have been approved by the UNSC since 2014.
As well as these examples, I have placed other examples where challenges were created by the lack of a UNSC mandate, on the record of the House previously, and I am happy to do so again. Among these examples are:
• In 2017, the Maritime Analysis Operation Centre (Narcotics), which is an international maritime intelligence centre supported by the EU, requested a Naval Service ship to assist with maritime drug interdiction operations. Although Ireland is a strong supporter of the Centre and was in fact one of the founding members, a ship could not be sent given that there would no UN mandate for such an operation.
• In 2015, the EUs security mission in the Mediterranean (the- then Operation Sophia)was established and did not secure a UNSC mandate until 2016. Ireland could not consider contributing to this mission until after this mandate was in place.
• In 1999, a permanent member of the UNSC vetoed the renewal of the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP). Because the subsequent European Union peace operation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (fYROM/CONCORDIA) did not have a UNSC mandate, Ireland was unable to participate in that mission.
Regarding the question around the Nice and Lisbon Treaties; the term ‘Triple Lock’ which describes the deployment requirements for Defence Forces overseas, does not appear in defence legislation, nor indeed does it appear in the Constitution. The term first appeared in 2001 domestically in relation a non-legally binding annex to the 2nd Nice Treaty, (the Seville Declaration in 2002). After the Nice referendum, EU Leaders met in Seville (on 21–22 June 2002, under the then Spanish presidency of the EU) to discuss the outcome of the Irish Referendum. The Seville declaration was the result (Seville Declarations on the Treaty of Nice, to give it its full title). At that Summit, EU leaders accepted an Irish declaration that spelled out the existing Irish process with regard to overseas deployment of personnel to peace support operations – i.e. the Triple Lock – a UN mandate; Cabinet approval; and Dáil Éireann approval.
In 2009, in advance of the Lisbon II referendum, the Irish Guarantee on the Lisbon Treaty was agreed where Ireland re-stated its national position through a national declaration “that the participation of contingents of the Irish Defence Forces in overseas operations, including those carried out under the European Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) requires (a) the authorisation of the operation by the Security Council or the General Assembly of the United Nations, (b) the agreement of the Irish Government, and (c) the approval of Dáil Éireann, (when deploying in excess of 12 members of the Defence Forces )in accordance with Irish Law.
The process is set down in national legislation, in particular the Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1960 and the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006, as amended. The requirements or steps that make up the current process predate European level debates, and indeed pre-date the Nice and Lisbon treaties. As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland’s policy of military neutrality is characterised by non-membership of military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements and this policy choice has been practised by successive Governments since the Second World War.
The current Programme for Government clearly sets out this Government’s intention to reform the legislation governing our overseas deployments and I wish to again underline that this is intended to be done whilst also ensuring that amendments to the legislation are in keeping with our values and policy of military neutrality. The proposed amendments to the legislation are in keeping with Ireland’s values and policy in this regard, and these changes do nothing to undermine that policy. As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland’s policy of military neutrality is characterised by the non-membership of military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. These legislative proposals have no effect on this policy. Amending the legislation which governs how we deploy our Defence Forces overseas does not require a referendum or national plebiscite, rather it will be debated and amended in the usual way.
The Pre-Legislative Scrutiny process of the General Scheme was completed at the end of July. This process provided the Oireachtas Committee with the opportunity to examine the Heads and to consult relevant stakeholders on the proposed legislation. I am grateful to all the members of the Committee, there are very good proposals within those recommendations which I am working through with my officials, as the Bill is being drafted.
I recognise, however, that in removing the UNSC requirement, that there is a need to strengthen the principles which govern the despatch of Defence Forces personnel overseas. Therefore, in parallel to removing the requirement for a UNSC mandate, text will be included in this Bill which will require that the mandate of future operations must be consistent with and adhere to the principles of the UN Charter and international law and good governance and accountability. Post-Triple Lock safeguard and oversight mechanisms are currently being considered, and these principles are being currently refined to ensure appropriate legal effect as part of the drafting process.
It is important to remember however that these proposed changes are about ensuring that Ireland can pursue an independent foreign policy and make its own sovereign decisions on participation in how and where we deploy our Defence Forces overseas on peace operations.
I also wish to take this opportunity to state unequivocally that they are not connected to any commitments made to EU or NATO partners, but rather to address the challenges I have outlined extensively above, and that I have outlined on the floor of the House a number of times previously.
Finally, the Deputy will also be aware of the the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy, held in 2023 with 80 panellists and moderators, approximately 1,000 attendees in person, with discussions live-streamed, with over 10,000 online views. In addition, over 850 written submissions were also received as part of this process. This Forum was open to, and attended by, many academics, current and former members of the Defence Forces as well as representatives from international institutions. The Forum provided an opportunity for open and interactive exchange of views, including in particular a balanced and well-informed discussion on the issue of UN peacekeeping and overseas deployments.
The outcome of these discussions and inputs on the Triple Lock formed a central part to the Report issued by the Chair of the Forum, which is publicly available. The Chair's report, based on the discussions at the Forum and the public submissions received, proposed that the current mechanism underpinning our overseas deployments should be reconsidered. The Report was presented to Government on in October 2023, and a Dáil debate on the outcomes of the Report was held on that November.
In conclusion, I again want to make it absolutely clear that this Government has no desire to alter Ireland’s policy of military neutrality, and that the amendments proposed will do nothing to change this. Our engagement overseas will continue to be firmly grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law and will, of course, require the consent of the democratically elected representatives of the people of Ireland.
