263. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Defence if a referendum will be held here on the Triple Lock; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45926/26]

The Triple Lock is a statutory mechanism, it is set out in the Defence (Amendment) Act 1960 and is not a constitutional mechanism. It is not enshrined in our Constitution. It was a political commitment made during the Nice and Lisbon Treaty processes. It is clear therefore that amending the legislation which governs how we deploy our Defence Forces overseas does not require a referendum or national  plebiscite.

The geopolitical context was very different when this legislation was developed, compared to the changed geopolitical environment that we now navigate. We now find ourselves in a situation where one of five countries of the UN Security Council can decide whether or not our Irish troops can travel to engage in peacekeeping missions, be it in Lebanon, the Western Balkans, the Mediterranean or any other part of the world. It simply is not acceptable to have a situation in which Ireland's sovereign decision making with regard to  participation in peace operations can be impacted by the geopolitical interests of other states.

This has been demonstrated in a very tangible way through the recent non-renewal of UN Security Council Resolution 2292, which underpinned the EU Mission, Operation Irini, in the Mediterranean, where Defence Forces personnel have served with some distinction. Participation in that mission by Irish Defence Forces personnel was in line with legislative requirements, including the requirement of a UN Security Council mandate. As a direct consequence, Irish personnel serving in the mission had to withdraw, not due to any change in Government policy or operational considerations, but because the statutory requirements of the Triple Lock could no longer be satisfied. This clearly illustrates the extent to which Ireland’s ability to contribute to international peace and security efforts can be affected by factors outside our control.

That situation is not sustainable if we are to retain a meaningful and credible capacity to participate in international peace support operations in line with our values and interests and the democratic will of the people of Ireland, that is entrusted to us as their representatives.

There has been extensive engagement between my Department and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in relation to the drafting of the Bill. Government approval for the text of the Defence (Amendment) Bill was received on 9th June. The Bill has been published on the Oireachtas website and will then be progressed through the Houses of the Oireachtas.