Ireland considers changing law on overseas troop deployments

The Irish government has drafted legislation that would remove a de facto ban on deploying more than 12 troops abroad, as the country takes significant steps to strengthen its defense forces.

The Guardian reports.

The bill to abolish the so-called "triple lock" system, which requires parliament, government and the UN to approve the deployment of troops of more than 12 soldiers, will be presented to the cabinet this week.

Vice Prime Minister and Defense Minister Simon Harris believes it is inappropriate to maintain the current system.

"The idea that the UN Security Council has a veto over where we deploy Irish troops in peacekeeping operations is something that needs to change. Since 2014, the UN Security Council has not had the power to authorise a peacekeeping mission," he said.

This comes days after Foreign and Defense Minister Simon Harris said he believed Ireland needed to acquire a fleet of fighter jets.

Ireland's failure to protect its airspace is currently being heard in the High Court, which is trying to determine whether the Irish government allows the UK's Royal Air Force to enter Irish airspace to intercept in the event of a hostile attack, such as a hijacking.

The changes are said to be a significant shift for Ireland, whose defense strategy has until now been dictated by political neutrality.