Dáil enters final week amid Defence Bill row

The Dáil is attempting to pass a number of important pieces of legislation as it enters its final week before the summer recess.

During the remaining three sitting days the Government will try to pass five pieces of legislation, including the Defence Bill.

Opposition parties have claimed this new legislation infringes upon Ireland's neutrality and weakens the United Nations' ability to effectively respond to international troubles.

Writing in The Irish Timesthis morning, John Gormley of the Green Party said the legislation will mean a core element of Irish neutrality, the "triple lock", will be diluted as meaningless.

The triple lock is so called because three stages of approval are required before Irish troops can be sent on peacekeeping or peacemaking duties: a UN mandate is needed followed by Government and Dáil approval.

Sinn Féin's Martin Ferris said: "Not only does the proposed legislation imply a gross infringement of the principle of Irish neutrality but in addition they will weaken the United Nations' ability and capacity to respond to international crises effectively, since European troops will be diverted to these battle groups and other non-UN forces."

The legislation would allow Irish troops to go off with the Battlegroups prior to UN approval and without Dáil approval for certain operations.

The Bill was passed by the Seanad last week and will be brought to the Dáil tonight.