The Irish government has approved a bill that will allow Irish troops to be deployed abroad for security purposes. The bill, which has been tabled, enables the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) to guard Irish embassies in Kiev and other countries, as reported by the Irish Times.
According to a statement from the Irish Defence Ministry, the changes are crucial for the support of Irish citizens, contributing to the defence of Irish embassies and personal protection overseas.
Prior to the bill, there was no specific legal framework for the deployment of Irish troops for protective purposes.
The focus of the bill, which was approved by the cabinet, lies in the abolition of the “Triple-Lock” mechanism, which requires the consent of the government, the parliament and the UN General Assembly or the UN Security Council to send more than 12 Irish military personnel abroad. The cabinet has approved plans to amend the legislation, making the consent of the government and the Dáil (the lower house of the parliament) sufficient for the deployment of peacekeeping troops.
Additionally, the number of troops that can be sent abroad without Dáil approval will be increased from 12 to 50, enabling a swift response to emergency situations, such as the evacuation of civilians.
All the changes are contained in a single bill, which is now being put to a preliminary review.
Members of opposition parties have sharply criticized the abolition of the “Triple-Lock” mechanism, describing it as part of the government’s efforts to undermine Ireland’s military neutrality.