As proud former Irish and United Nations peacekeepers we object to government plans to abandon the requirement, under the Triple Lock, to have UN Security Council (UNSC) or UN General Assembly (UNGA) authorisation for the dispatch of Irish personnel on peacekeeping missions.

The Triple Lock is the safeguard that ensures defence forces are not deployed without rigorous checks and balances. Weakening or abolishing the Triple Lock paves the way for involvement in military interventions that are driven by the interests of others, including states hostile to our commitment to human rights.

Peacekeeping missions not authorised by the UNSC or UNGA are not provided for under the UN Charter and are therefore not legal under international law.

The importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts is crucial to ensuring successful peacekeeping missions. Missions established without UNSC or UNGA authorisation places peacekeepers at greater risk.

The move towards EU and NATO authorised overseas missions will end the widely respected ‘blue helmet’ peacekeeping missions. We believe this will be a very detrimental development for the Irish Defence Force - and will lead to further recruitment and retention difficulties.

The international reputation of Irish soldiers, sailors and aircrew for impartiality will be damaged by the move away from UN authorisation of peacekeeping missions - towards EU and NATO authorisation of missions.

Finally, we believe your proposed change will erode public support for and pride in our defence forces and our nation's proud tradition of promoting peace and stability around the world.

We urge this Government to listen to the voice of the people who have consistently supported Ireland’s neutrality and the retention of the Triple Lock.

Signed

Gerry Rooney

Tony Ledger

Dónal de Róiste

Edward Horgan

Former Irish Defence Force Peacekeepers