The Government is set to abolish Ireland’s ‘triple lock’ system for sending troops abroad, with legislation expected to progress through the Dáil shortly. But what exactly is the triple lock, and how will the proposed changes affect Ireland’s ability to deploy troops overseas? What is the triple lock? The triple lock is a three-step approval process required before Ireland can deploy more than 12 Defence Forces personnel overseas at any one time. The Government plans to remove the requirement for a UN mandate before Irish troops can be deployed abroad.

Source: Irish Examiner January 27, 2026 20:05 UTC