Fine Gael has strongly criticised the Government's position in relation to the deployment of the Defence Forces abroad.
Speaking in the Dáil this morning, Fine Gael's foreign affairs spokesman, Mr Gay Mitchell, was particularly critical of the "triple lock system" that prevents Ireland participating in peace-keeping missions unless the missions fulfill certain criteria.
Under the "triple lock" system, deployment of the Defence Forces cannot take place unless the activity is endorsed by a full United Nations mandate, approved by Dáil Éireann, and agreed within the Government.
"Frankly, to speak of partnership and cooperation, and yet to allow what is commonly known as the 'triple lock' to remain in place, is nothing short of hypocrisy," Mr Mitchell said.
"The 'triple lock' is an excessive restriction on Defence Force participation in peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions, and should be repealed."
Under the current system Ireland could not participate in the EU peacekeeping force (Operation Concordia) sent earlier this year to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, a probable future member of the EU.
"In the case of Macedonia, a UN Resolution was not carried because it did not suit the interests of China. Macedonia had recognised Taiwan so China retaliated by blocking the UN peacekeeping force Resolution.
"Therefore, by having a 'triple lock' we have given self-serving members of the UN Security Council, who may be operating to a narrow national agenda, the right to pre-empt our free decision."
Fine Gael is looking to change the law by introducing a Private Members' Bill that will end the "triple lock", and will amend the Defence Acts so as to allow Ireland to send troops to participate in peace missions, even where those missions are not set up as an International UN force.
However, the Bill specifically requires that any deployment be in accord with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter.