Draft law to amend 'triple lock' on Irish peacekeepers being sent overseas to be brought to Cabinet this week

A draft law by Mr. Harris seeks to change the deployment rules of Irish Defence Forces peacekeepers, increasing troop numbers allowed overseas from 12 to 50. This proposal aims to eliminate the UN Security Council's current veto power over such deployments, which has not authorized a peacekeeping mission since 2014. Mr. Harris emphasizes the need for Ireland to operate independently and flexibly, particularly for evacuating Irish citizens, while asserting that the plan does not compromise the nation’s military neutrality.

"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."

"The UN Security Council hasn't found itself in a position to authorise a peacekeeping mission since 2014."

"Ireland must have the flexibility to evacuate Irish people from hostile areas and new legislation will provide legal clarity on those issues."

"We are removing in all circumstances the idea of the UN Security Council having a mandate."

Read at Irish Independent