Varadkar says removal of triple lock will protect Irish sovereignty

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said removing the triple-lock mechanism for the deployment of Irish troops overseas would protect Ireland’s sovereignty from the veto power of China, Russia and the US.

It comes after Tanaiste Micheal Martin instructed Department of Defence officials to prepare legislation to remove the UN Security Council’s ability to veto the deployment of Irish troops abroad, in a move described by opposition politicians as an attempt to undermine the state’s neutrality.

The triple-lock system requires approval from the Government and Dail as well as either a UN Security Council or General Assembly resolution for the deployment of more than 12 defence forces members on overseas operations.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China, France, Russia, the UK and the US, have the power to veto the adoption of any Council resolution.

On Thursday, Mr Varadkar said: “I’ve never been a fan of the triple-lock nor has my party.”

Micheal Martin (Brian Lawless/PA)

He said the mechanism would generally only be used for peacekeeping missions, adding: “We’re not going to invade anyone, obviously, or get involved in anyone else’s wars”.

Mr Varadkar said: “The problem that arises is the UN resolution and as the Tanaiste pointed out the other day, the UN hasn’t approved a peacekeeping operation in 10 years now.

“That’s down to China and Russia in particular, but potentially even the United States, wielding the veto power.”

“So to me actually, it would be a vindication of our sovereignty, saying that we actually aren’t going to allow Russia or China or America or Britain or France to decide where we can’t send our troops.”

Asked if there was a danger of Ireland getting involved in conflicts of EU member states following the removal of the triple lock, Mr Varadkar said: “I think there’s a danger that we won’t be able to participate in any new peacekeeping operation if we continue to allow the veto power of those great powers that won a war 75 years ago, and have nuclear weapons, to decide where we can’t send our troops.

“The ideal outcome, and this is what I’ve been advocating for, is reform of the UN so that the Security Council works properly.

“But, you know, I wouldn’t be waiting around for that to happen.”

Speaking to Newstalk, he added: “Meanwhile, there are places in the world that may be looking for help, looking for our support and I think we should be open to that.”

He said the requirement for Oireachtas backing would provide democratic authority.

Mr Varadkar added: “And I don’t honestly believe any party in Ireland would wantonly send Irish troops into into a place of danger.

“We’ve never done that before and I don’t think that that will be done deliberately again.”