The Cabinet is set to sign off on proposals to dismantle the triple lock governing the overseas deployment of Irish troops.
At present, this mechanism requires approval from the Government, the Dáil and the UN Security Council, reports Breaking News.
Ministers are being asked this morning to consider removing the requirement for UN Security Council authorisation, amid concerns over the repeated use of veto powers by Russia and the United States.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Helen McEntee said the proposals would not affect Ireland’s neutrality, rejecting opposition claims to the contrary, reports Breaking News.
Addressing the Dáil, she said: “This reinforces the proud tradition that we have as a peacekeeping country. This reinforces the ability of our troops, our Defence Forces members, to continue to engage in peacekeeping missions on the ground… which they have done for many many decades. Something we are extremely proud of as a country”, reports Breaking News.
The UN Security Council has not approved a new peacekeeping mission since 2014, with growing frustration over the use of vetoes by Russia and, more recently, the United States, reports Breaking News.
The Government maintains it should not need consent from Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin to decide where Irish troops are deployed, while critics argue the change could weaken Ireland’s neutrality.
Ministers are also expected to be briefed this morning on their destinations for the St Patrick’s Day diplomatic push, with the US again likely to feature prominently despite calls for Micheál Martin not to visit the White House, reports Breaking News.
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