Stating peacekeeping missions must be in line with the UN charter is a prerequisite so broad as to be meaningless
Confirmation that the government intends to dismantle the triple lock is an attack on our neutrality, according to Social Democrats Foreign Affairs and Defence spokesperson Sinéad Gibney.
Deputy Gibney said:
“The Tánaiste today confirmed that he will bring forward legislation to the cabinet on Tuesday which will change the triple lock to a single lock.
“Under the proposed changes, the requirement for a UN mandate for peacekeeping missions will be removed and replaced with a requirement that missions are in line with the UN charter.
“This is a retrograde step. The UN charter is extremely lengthy and runs to 111 separate articles. Stating peacekeeping missions must be in line with the UN charter is a prerequisite so broad as to be meaningless.
“This change also opens the door to Irish troops being seconded to NATO missions and indeed EU missions, with almost free-range given to the government of the day about the nature and purpose of those missions.
“We have heard a lot from the government about the problems a UN mandate poses in relation to vetoes – but very little about the huge benefits that mandate confers.
“A UN mandate gives legitimacy to peacekeeping missions which will be impossible to replace from elsewhere. The blue beret, that Irish troops have always worn, also offers them a huge level of protection.
“The UN undoubtedly needs to be reformed, but the government should be doing that from the inside instead of throwing in the towel.
“There is currently an attack on the UN with Elon Musk this weekend stating the United States should leave the institution. The proposed plans from the government are a further undermining of the UN at a time of increasing militarisation.
“Separately, the Tánaiste has flagged a second proposed change to the triple lock – changing the minimum number of troops it applies to from 12 to 50.
“A reform of this nature, which means the defence forces can act more swiftly in emergency situations, is something the Social Democrats can work with the government on.
“The Tánaiste has previously stated he wants to work with TDs across the Dáil on these reforms. But, the approach of this government, to date, has been to offer to collaborate with the Opposition but then steamroll through their own proposals.
“Removing the requirement of a UN mandate, for Irish peacekeeping missions, is an attack on our neutrality. The government must reconsider.”
Ends
2 March, 2025