A Clare-based former Defence Minister has described the United Nation’s veto over the movement of Irish troops abroad as an “extraordinary” position for a sovereign state to be in.
The Dáil will vote on dismantling the triple lock system today, while the EU and United States continue to offer opposing views on military aid for Ukraine.
At present, the United States, the UK, China, Russia and France all have the power to veto Irish peacekeeping missions abroad, as permanent members of the UN’s security council.
If today’s vote is passed only Dáil and government approval will be necessary to send more than 12 Irish troops overseas.
The government has also committed to ramping up its defence spending and plans have emerged for a combat jet base at Shannon Airport that would cost €100m per year.
Former Defence Minister and Clare Fianna Fáil TD Tony Killeen believes the UN Veto on Ireland was an extraordinary position for a sovereign state to be in and says we need to increase our military capabilities.
The US has today suspended its military aid to Ukraine following a row between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.
Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko believes this will cost thousands of lives.
As the US appears a less favourable ally, the European Commission President has announced measures to ramp up defence spending.
Ursula von der Leyen has outlined a five point “Rearm Europe” plan.
