Legislation to modify rules around the deployment of Irish peacekeeping troops is to be scrutinised robustly, Ireland’s Minister for Defence has said.
Sinn Fein has expressed concern at the government’s plans to amend Ireland’s “triple lock” on the deployment of Defence Force peacekeepers overseas as “very dangerous”.
The party has called for a referendum on the move.
Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris (PA)
Under the current system, Ireland cannot deploy any more than 12 Defence Forces peacekeepers overseas without a mission being approved by a vote of the UN Security Council, as well as approval by the Government and the Dail.
Under the draft legislation, it is proposed to increase the number of troops who are sent on peacekeeping missions from 12 to 50.
Speaking to media in Co Galway on Saturday, Tanaiste Simon Harris emphasised that he and the government value Irish neutrality.
“Irish neutrality is a deeply held position by the Irish people and successive Irish governments, and by me as leader of Fine Gael and as Tanaiste and Minister for Defence,” he said
“I value Irish neutrality.
“What I don’t value though is the fact that Vladimir Putin or others can have a veto on where peacekeeping troops can go.
“I’m here today honouring the service of peacekeepers.
“I am so proud of the work of our peacekeepers.
“I believe it is absolutely appropriate, in fact an act of sovereignty, for the government to decide where to send peacekeeping troops, not to ask for the authority of other countries.
“I have published draft legislation in relation to modifying the Triple Lock.
“I want that to be scrutinised robustly, looked at, examined in the Oireachtas and I want to get this right.”